In an unprecedented escalation, Iran launched ballistic missiles that struck near the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, Bahrain on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The attack is part of a massive Iranian retaliatory barrage targeting US military installations across the Persian Gulf region.
Fifth Fleet Headquarters Targeted
Bahrain confirmed that the service center of the US Fifth Fleet — the primary base for American naval forces in the Middle East — was subjected to a direct missile attack. Video footage from the scene showed a thick grey plume of smoke rising from near the island state’s coastline.
The Fifth Fleet, headquartered at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, oversees all US naval operations across the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean. It commands approximately 20,000 personnel and multiple carrier strike groups.
Three US service members have been confirmed killed in the retaliatory strikes, with approximately three more injured.
Six US Bases Across the Region Targeted
According to the Israel Alma Center, six bases across the Middle East where American troops are stationed have been targeted, including installations in:
- Bahrain — 5th Fleet HQ, Naval Support Activity
- Kuwait — Main airport area and military facilities
- Qatar — Home to Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military facility in the Middle East
- Iraq — Multiple US positions
- Jordan — US military installations
- Saudi Arabia — Riyadh and Eastern Province targeted
Iran Targets Civilian Infrastructure Too
Beyond military targets, Iran’s missile barrage hit civilian areas across the Gulf. The Fairmont Hotel on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah was struck, injuring four people. One person was killed in Abu Dhabi by falling debris. Kuwait’s main airport was also targeted.
The UAE deployed its THAAD and Patriot missile defense systems to intercept incoming threats. Qatar announced it had downed all missiles targeting the country and asserted its right to respond.
Iran’s Stated Targets
Iran’s Fars news agency confirmed attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, describing them as strikes against “US assets” hosted in these nations. The Iranian government framed the attacks as legitimate retaliation for the US-Israeli assault on Iranian soil.
US Embassy in Bahrain Closes
Due to ongoing missile strikes, the US Embassy in Bahrain announced it would close on Sunday, March 1, 2026. American citizens in the Gulf region have been advised to shelter in place and monitor official channels.
Unprecedented Regional Escalation
This marks the first time Iran has directly attacked multiple sovereign Gulf states simultaneously. Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and the United Kingdom have all activated defensive military postures.
The attacks on the 5th Fleet headquarters represent one of the most significant direct strikes against a major US naval installation since World War II.
This story is developing. Updates will follow as the situation evolves.