Iran launched a drone assault targeting Bahrain and a separate attack struck a ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, actions seen as a likely response to overnight U.S. airstrikes on Iranian sites. These escalations in the Persian Gulf highlight the volatile nature of the conflict, even as the U.S. and Iran are engaged in negotiations for a final accord to end hostilities.
The U.S. strikes targeted Iranian missile and drone locations and coastal radar sites, according to the U.S. military's Central Command. The U.S. had launched these airstrikes in retaliation for an Iranian drone attack on a container ship attempting to leave the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday.
Bahrain, a strong critic of Iran and home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, reported that "a number of Iranian drones" targeted the country, calling the assault "a flagrant threat to the security of citizens and residents." No immediate reports of damage were available.
Separately, a tanker was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. The crew remained safe and no environmental damage was reported, according to the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center. While no group immediately claimed responsibility, suspicion fell on Iran.
Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard issued a statement earlier Saturday, carried by the state-run IRNA news agency, claiming it had targeted "U.S. terrorist army" locations in the region, though specific areas were not named. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who has been involved in negotiations with Iran, stated on social media Friday night that "violence will be met with violence" if disagreements arise regarding the ceasefire agreement.
The U.S. and Iran are currently negotiating terms of an interim deal, which includes ensuring safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and natural gas supplies. The talks also address Iran's nuclear program and its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The interim agreement provides a 60-day window for both sides to finalize details. A key component of the deal involves ending the conflict between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon.
In response to the ongoing maritime threats, a multinational maritime body overseen by the U.S. Navy announced Saturday that it would expand an existing route near Oman in the Strait of Hormuz to accommodate both inbound and outbound traffic. This move could potentially create a new flashpoint, as Tehran views the strait as a significant source of leverage in its discussions with the U.S.
Iran has maintained that ships must adhere to its directives and has warned of charging transit fees. Despite these assertions, ships have been increasingly attempting to depart the Gulf in recent days. Ebrahim Azizi, who leads the Iranian parliament's national security commission, wrote Friday that "the Strait of Hormuz is governed by Iran, so: Respect the rules." However, the U.S. and Gulf Arab states reject Iran's demands, asserting that the strait is an international waterway despite its proximity to the territorial waters of Iran and Oman.
The Joint Maritime Information Center has issued a warning of a "substantial" threat to ships, advising mariners to be aware of potential mines and to anticipate naval presence during ongoing clearance operations.
The International Maritime Organization previously halted efforts to evacuate ships, stating it would not resume until guarantees were in place to prevent further attacks. Approximately 115 ships have successfully transited out of the strait in recent days.