Bahrain denounces alleged Iranian drone attack, vows to defend sovereignty

MANAMA: Bahrain on Saturday condemned what it described as Iranian drone attacks targeting its territory, saying it reserved the right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and national security.

In a statement carried by the state news agency, Bahraini authorities said the kingdom would exercise its full right to defend itself against any violation of its territory.

Earlier in the day, Iran announced that it had launched strikes against targets associated with US forces in the region. However, Tehran did not specify the locations of the attacks or identify the targets.

The latest exchange came despite a ceasefire agreed between Washington and Tehran a week earlier. Tensions flared after an Iranian drone struck a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the United States to launch air strikes on what it said were Iranian missile, drone storage and coastal radar sites.

Iran said the area near the southern port of Sirik was hit but reported no damage to the port itself. Tehran responded by announcing strikes on targets linked to US forces in the region, though it did not specify the locations. Both countries accused each other of violating the ceasefire.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned of a broader response to any further attacks and said Tehran had authority over shipping regulations in the strategic waterway. Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance said Washington had honoured the truce and warned that any violence would be met with force.