Iran Targets Bahrain After US Kills Guards Member
Blasts heard across northern Bahrain after authorities issue air raid alert amid heightened regional tensions.
Tensions in the Gulf escalated sharply on Wednesday after US airstrikes in southwest Iran killed a member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, while Tehran launched retaliatory attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait.
According to Iran's official IRNA news agency, Mohammad Reza Khazini, a member of the Revolutionary Guards, was killed by shrapnel while confronting what Iran described as enemy drones in the port city of Mahshahr, near the Iraqi border.
The IRGC said Khazini "died a martyr" during the attack, marking one of the reported casualties from the latest round of US strikes.
Bahrain Sounds Missile Alert for Third Time
Bahrain sounded its missile alert sirens for the third time on Wednesday after Iran launched retaliatory attacks following US airstrikes.
Authorities urged residents to immediately seek shelter after warning of incoming missile threats. The island kingdom, which hosts a major US military presence, remained on high alert throughout the day.
Iran later claimed responsibility for striking the Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain, saying the attack targeted American forces stationed there.
"In retaliation for the aggression of the American enemy and for the violation of the agreement, army drones attacked the American enemy forces located at Sheikh Isa Air Base," Iran's military said in a statement carried by IRNA.
Tehran accused Washington of violating an agreement aimed at ending hostilities by launching airstrikes on Iranian targets.
Bahrain and neighbouring Kuwait were among the countries targeted in Iran's retaliatory strikes, according to reports.
US Says It Hit More Than 80 Targets
The United States said it carried out airstrikes on more than 80 targets across Iran earlier on Wednesday.
Washington said the operation was launched in response to Iran's attacks on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important oil shipping routes.
The latest exchange marks a significant escalation in the confrontation between Washington and Tehran, raising concerns over regional security and global energy supplies.
Qatar Condemns Strikes, Calls for Dialogue
Qatar condemned Iran's strikes on Bahrain and Kuwait and urged all sides to return to diplomacy.
In a statement posted on X, Qatar's Foreign Ministry said it "emphasises the need to spare the region the consequences of these unjustified attacks."
Doha also stressed the importance of "pursuing the path of dialogue and diplomacy, de-escalating tensions, and building upon the progress achieved under the memorandum of understanding."
Qatar has played a key mediating role in talks between Iran and the United States in recent months.
Damage Assessment Underway
There was no immediate confirmation from Bahraini authorities or the US military regarding the extent of damage at Sheikh Isa Air Base or whether Iran's claim of hitting the facility could be independently verified.
Details regarding casualties or damage from the retaliatory attacks were not immediately available.
