Several Gulf countries have issued strong condemnations of Iran's drone strikes on Bahrain, denouncing the attack as "treacherous" and vowing unity against future aggression from Tehran. The strikes represent a significant escalation of regional tensions and pose a direct threat to a recent memorandum of understanding aimed at establishing a ceasefire.
Iran launched drone attacks on Bahrain on Saturday, following a U.S. airstrike on Iranian missile, drone, and radar sites after Iran struck a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Bahrain, which hosts the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, confirmed the drone incursions into its territory, labeling them a "flagrant threat" to national security. The exact locations targeted within Bahrain remain unclear.
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, stated that Iran's attack "will undermine ongoing peace efforts in the Middle East." The GCC, whose members include Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, saw several of its member states release statements denouncing Iran's actions.
Bahrain's Foreign Ministry affirmed that "the Iranian regime’s continued attacks, at a time when regional and international efforts are moving towards de-escalation, place the sole responsibility on Tehran for undermining peace efforts, and reveals an approach based on destabilizing security, exporting chaos, and undermining regional stability."
Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates also released statements on Saturday condemning the strikes. Kuwait's Foreign Ministry described the attacks as "a dangerous undermining of endeavors for peace and stability, and a threat to the security and stability of the region." Both Kuwait and the UAE reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Bahrain's safety and stability.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar joined the condemnations, asserting that Iran's strikes violate Bahrain's sovereignty and international law. Oman's foreign ministry has not yet commented on the attack, maintaining its customary neutral stance and ongoing role as a mediator between Washington and Tehran. Oman and Iran are currently negotiating a joint framework for navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for the strikes on Bahrain, stating on state-run television that they targeted "several locations of the U.S. terrorist army in the region." As of Saturday, no casualties or significant damage have been reported from the drone attack. The incident occurred just days after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Gulf allies in Bahrain.