Bahrain says it intercepted Iranian attacks as Hormuz tensions persist

Bahrain's Defense Force said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed several Iranian aerial attacks targeting the kingdom on Sunday. Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it targeted a U.S. radar site at al-Riffa Air Base with six drones, as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz persist.

What happened when Bahrain intercepted the Iranian attacks?

Bahrain's Defense Force said the attacks were destroyed before reaching their targets, and all military units remain at the highest level of readiness. Earlier, the Interior Ministry had issued repeated warnings about an unspecified potential threat and urged residents to seek shelter. The Iranian report gave no details of damage or casualties.

"Iran continues its systematic hostile approach through attacks" targeting Bahraini territory, the Defense Force said in a statement posted on X. It added that its units are "fully prepared" to defend the kingdom.

What did Iran's Revolutionary Guard say about the Bahrain attack?

Iranian state media reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted a U.S. radar defense site at al-Riffa Air Base with six drones. The report provided no details of possible damage or casualties.

In a statement carried by state broadcaster IRIB, the IRGC said the Strait of Hormuz remained closed. It cited what it called Washington's "failure" to escort ships through the waterway. It warned that "any US aggression would be met with an even harsher and more devastating response."

Why are tensions rising over the Strait of Hormuz?

Iran and the United States remain in dispute over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global energy and commodity supplies. Freedom of navigation through the waterway has also emerged as a key issue in negotiations between the two countries.

The war began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, before the sides reached a ceasefire in April. Fighting later resumed as negotiations stalled, despite the two sides signing a memorandum of understanding in June.