Iran Attacks US Navy Fifth Fleet Headquarters in Bahrain, Evacuations Ordered

Manama, Bahrain – On Saturday, February 28, 2026, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting the United States Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, Bahrain, prompting the evacuation of U.S. Personnel and dependents. The attacks, described by Iranian officials as retaliation for earlier U.S. And Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, have raised tensions significantly across the Middle East.

Details of the Attack

The missile attack targeted the Fifth Fleet’s service center, with Bahrain’s government confirming it as a violation of its sovereignty. Video footage circulating online showed smoke rising from the vicinity of the base as reported by Military.com. Bahrain’s defense forces stated they intercepted 45 incoming missiles and nine drones according to Stars and Stripes. Air raid sirens sounded throughout the day, with the U.S. Embassy issuing a shelter-in-place order due to the risk of falling debris, even from intercepted projectiles as detailed in Defense One.

Evacuations and Response

U.S. Navy Central Command ordered all servicemembers and contractors living and working in and around Naval Support Activity Bahrain to evacuate to hotels, covering the associated costs Defense One reports. The area was deemed unsafe for U.S. Personnel. In-person classes at the Department of Defense school on base were canceled, with preparations underway for remote learning. The Department of Defense authorized the departure of military dependents from Bahrain, though the departures were not mandatory.

Broader Regional Impact

The Bahrain strike occurred amidst a wider exchange of military actions. Earlier on February 28th, the U.S. And Israel conducted strikes within Iran, targeting missile and military infrastructure. Multiple U.S.-linked sites across the region, including those in Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, faced threats, with air defense systems activated. Reports as well indicate Iranian attacks on sites in Dubai, including the Fairmont Hotel according to Military.com.

Strategic Importance of the Fifth Fleet

The U.S. Fifth Fleet, headquartered in Bahrain, operates in an area encompassing approximately 2.5 million square miles of water, including the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, and parts of the Indian Ocean as noted by the Free Press Journal.

President Trump’s Response

President Trump addressed the situation in an eight-minute video posted on Truth Social, describing the Iranian regime as a threat to the U.S., its troops, and its allies. He stated the strikes aimed to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and acknowledged the potential for American casualties. He also appealed to the Iranian people to overthrow their government following the cessation of attacks as reported by Stars and Stripes.

U.S. Embassies in Qatar, Israel, and Bahrain issued emergency notices advising Americans to shelter in place.