Iran launched a drone assault targeting Bahrain and a separate ship was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, marking a significant escalation in tensions following overnight airstrikes by the United States. These actions threaten to destabilize the fragile interim deal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
The U.S. strikes, confirmed by the U.S. Central Command, targeted Iranian missile and drone storage locations and radar sites along the Persian Gulf. This retaliatory action followed an Iranian drone attack on a commercial cargo ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, which sustained significant damage.
Bahrain's Foreign Ministry stated that "a number of Iranian drones" targeted the country, calling the incident "a flagrant threat to the security of citizens and residents." Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, has been a strong critic of Iran. The country recently hosted U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for a meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council's foreign ministers, where a call was made for an end to Iran's attacks and for the strait to remain open.
Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard issued a statement claiming it had targeted several locations associated with the "U.S. terrorist army in the region" in response to what it called violations of the UN Charter and a war-ending memorandum between the two countries. Tehran did not specify the locations or nature of these strikes.
The memorandum of understanding signed recently committed Iran to using its "best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days." However, Iran has reportedly warned oil tankers that routes through the strait were restricted and "completely dangerous." The International Maritime Organization has halted efforts to evacuate ships, awaiting guarantees against further attacks.
Amidst these developments, a multinational maritime body overseen by the U.S. Navy announced an expansion of a route near Oman in the Strait of Hormuz to accommodate both inbound and outbound traffic. This move could create a new point of contention, as Iran views the strait as a crucial source of leverage in ongoing negotiations with the U.S.
The U.S. and Iran are currently in delicate negotiations for a long-term peace agreement that would also address Iran's nuclear program. Key issues under discussion include ensuring safe passage for ships through the vital strait and the future of Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The interim deal provides a 60-day window to resolve these details, which also includes efforts to end the fighting in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who has been leading negotiations with Iran, stated on social media that "violence will be met with violence" if disagreements arise over the ceasefire agreement, urging Iran to use diplomatic channels. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil and natural gas supplies.
Earlier on Saturday, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported that a tanker was attacked in the strait. The crew was reported safe with no environmental damage, and while no group immediately claimed responsibility, suspicion fell on Iran.
The Joint Maritime Information Center has warned that the threat to ships in the region remains "substantial" and advised mariners of the presence of mines and ongoing clearance operations.