Manama, Bahrain — June 23, 2025 — Tensions in the Gulf have reached new heights as air raid sirens were heard across the capital city of Manama, triggering panic and prompting citizens to take shelter.
The Bahraini Ministry of Interior confirmed the activation of sirens as a “precautionary measure” following intelligence suggesting the possibility of an Iranian missile strike. This comes just hours after Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles targeting U.S. military bases in Qatar and Iraq.
“This is not a drill,” one Manama resident said in a voice message shared on social media. “The sirens went off and everyone ran for shelter.”
🇧🇭 Why Bahrain Is on High Alert
Bahrain is home to the United States Navy’s Fifth Fleet, headquartered in Manama. This makes the island nation a strategic target in any direct confrontation between Iran and U.S.-aligned forces.
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Bahrain temporarily closed its airspace, diverting all civilian flights.
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Security forces were deployed across key installations, including oil infrastructure and the U.S. naval base.
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The U.S. Embassy in Bahrain advised American citizens to “remain indoors and monitor official alerts.”
Context: Iran’s Expanding Strike Campaign
Today’s sirens follow Iran’s unprecedented missile assault on U.S. bases in Qatar, including Al-Udeid Air Base, and military sites in western Iraq. Iranian media called the strikes “part of Operation Red Wave,” in retaliation for recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
With Bahrain now sounding the alarm, fears are mounting that the Gulf region is sliding into open conflict.
Global Reactions
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The White House said it is “closely monitoring developments.”
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NATO officials have called for urgent de-escalation.
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Saudi Arabia and the UAE have reportedly raised their military alert levels as well.
AHORA URGENTE ; Suenan sirenas en la capital de Bahréin por posible ataque iraní pic.twitter.com/PUjsY4uTrX
— Alertageo (@alertarojanot) June 23, 2025