Missiles are flying across the Middle East as Iranian forces claim they’ve struck a US naval base in Bahrain, launching retaliatory attacks after a “massive” joint assault by the United States and Israel. Bahraini authorities have confirmed the attack on the base, known officially as Naval Support Activity Bahrain, which serves as the home port for anti-mine and logistical support ships and is the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet.
This comes after Iran launched strikes across the region. Per the BBC, Qatar’s defense ministry stated it intercepted several missiles that appeared to be targeting the al-Udeid air base, which is the largest US military installation in the region. The UAE’s defense ministry also confirmed a “blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles,” noting that their air defense systems successfully intercepted a number of them.
Unfortunately, some debris fell on a residential area in Abu Dhabi, causing material damage and tragically killing a civilian. Jordan’s armed forces also shot down two ballistic missiles, thankfully reporting no casualties. Meanwhile, in Israel, sirens have been sounding across the country throughout Saturday. Its military says Iran has launched numerous rounds of missiles, and the Israeli air force is working hard to intercept them.
This has been personally terrifying since I have family in Bahrain
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) quickly claimed responsibility for these strikes, stating they are targeting US bases and assets as part of operation “Truthful Promise 4.” This operation is a direct response to the joint attack on Iran launched by the US and Israel on Saturday morning.
That initial assault, which began around 9:30 AM Tehran time (6:00 AM GMT), has reportedly targeted areas linked to the Iranian leadership. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the US and Israeli attack as “wholly unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate,” adding that Iran’s armed forces “are prepared for this day and will teach the aggressors the lesson they deserve.”
President Trump weighed in on Saturday, stating his desire for “freedom” for the Iranian people. “All I want is freedom for the people,” Trump told a newspaper in a phone interview. He also added, “I want a safe nation, and that’s what we’re going to have.” The president had announced “major combat operations” in Iran in a video posted to Truth Social overnight, explicitly calling for regime change.
He stated that the objective is “to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people.” Trump also urged Iranians to topple the regime led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take; this will be probably your only chance for generations.” It’s important to note that casualties already include school girls.
This escalation follows weeks of speculation about a potential US attack on Iran, especially with a significant US military buildup in the region.
Published: Mar 1, 2026 02:56 pm