Iran's Revolutionary Guards say drones targeted US radar in Bahrain; Bahrain reports interceptions

Bahrain said on Sunday that its air defences intercepted several Iranian attacks. Anadolu and France 24 both reported the statement. On the same day, Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said six of its drones targeted a US air defence radar system at the Al-Riffa helicopter base in Bahrain. According to France 24, the Iranian state broadcaster posted the IRGC statement on Telegram. The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not include independent verification of either account.

Bahrain's interior ministry posted on X urging "residents to remain calm, proceed to the nearest safe location, and follow news through official channels". The foreign ministry issued a statement holding Iran fully responsible for the attacks.

An AFP journalist heard explosions around 04:00 local time (01:00 GMT), according to France 24. Residents reported a second series of blasts around 06:30. Sirens sounded, and authorities posted several alerts urging residents to seek shelter. France 24 describes these as the first such warnings since September.

According to France 24/AFP, this is the second Iranian attack on Bahrain in three days. On Friday, the IRGC said its forces targeted a US early warning radar system in Bahrain. Bahrain hosts a major US naval base.

Context

According to France 24, the war began on 28 February with US-Israeli strikes that killed Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. France 24 reports that since then Iran has restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and struck infrastructure and US assets across the region. An unnamed official cited by France 24 said US President Donald Trump plans to discuss the conflict at a meeting with his Chinese and Russian counterparts this week.

What is unclear

The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not describe any damage or casualties from Sunday's attack. They do not say how many drones Bahrain intercepted, or whether any got through. The IRGC says the radar was "targeted" but does not explicitly claim a hit. The reports do not establish whether the blasts were interceptions or impacts.

What each side says

• IRGC: "The US air defence radar system at the Al-Riffa helicopter base in Bahrain was targeted by six drones belonging to the IRGC Aerospace Force." It added: "The Strait of Hormuz is closed, and any aggression by the American enemy will be met with an even harsher and more forceful response," according to France 24.
• Bahrain's military: It intercepted several Iranian attacks, "preventing them from reaching their intended targets".
• Bahrain's foreign ministry: Air defence systems shot down Iranian drones. Bahrain "rejects turning its territory into an arena for settling scores and holds Iran fully responsible for these attacks and their consequences".
• US Central Command (CENTCOM): It shot down two Iranian drones targeting Bahrain, with no casualties or damage, according to France 24. The report does not make clear whether this refers to Friday's or Sunday's attack.

Analysis

France 24 describes Friday's reported attack as the first strike on a Gulf country since early September. Two attacks in three days could therefore mark a change in the pattern of the conflict, but the reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not show whether this will continue. Further strikes could raise risks for Bahrain, which hosts a major US naval base, and for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The trilateral meeting Trump plans could open a diplomatic channel, although its agenda and outcome are not known. Much depends on details the reports do not include, such as whether any drones reached their targets and how Washington responds.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.