Arab states condemn Iranian drone attack on Bahrain, call it blow to regional de-escalation efforts

• Arab and Gulf states condemned Iran's drone attack on Bahrain, calling it a blatant violation of the kingdom's sovereignty and a setback to regional de-escalation efforts.

Several Arab and Gulf states on Saturday strongly condemned what Bahrain said was an Iranian drone attack on its territory, describing it as a blatant violation of the kingdom's sovereignty and a dangerous escalation that threatens ongoing regional and international efforts to reduce tensions.

Bahrain's Foreign Ministry said the kingdom "strongly condemns" the Iranian drone attack carried out in the early hours of Saturday, calling it a "flagrant violation" of its sovereignty, a direct threat to the security of its citizens and residents, and a breach of international norms prohibiting attacks on civilian infrastructure.

In a statement, the ministry said the attack demonstrated that Iran was undermining peace initiatives despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation.

"The continued aggression by the Iranian regime, at a time when regional and international efforts are focused on reducing tensions, places full responsibility on Tehran for undermining peace efforts and reveals a policy based on destabilizing security, exporting chaos, and threatening regional stability," the statement said.

The ministry also accused Iran of violating commitments it had made under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 17, 2026, which included a pledge to permanently halt military operations and respect the sovereignty of regional states. Bahrain called on the United Nations Security Council to ensure implementation of its resolutions and hold the aggressor accountable.

Saudi Arabia condemned the attack "in the strongest terms," describing it as a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry reaffirmed the kingdom's solidarity with Bahrain and its full support for measures taken to safeguard the country's sovereignty, security, and stability.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi also denounced what he described as Iran's "treacherous" drone attack, saying continued attacks on civilian facilities and critical infrastructure during ongoing diplomatic efforts demonstrated Tehran's intention to undermine initiatives aimed at containing the crisis and restoring regional security.

He reaffirmed the GCC's support for Bahrain and its efforts to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The United Arab Emirates condemned the "aggressive" Iranian drone strikes, calling them a blatant violation of Bahrain's sovereignty and a threat to its security and stability. Abu Dhabi reiterated its full solidarity with Bahrain and backed all measures aimed at preserving the kingdom's security.

Kuwait likewise condemned what it described as Iran's "criminal" attack, saying it constituted a serious violation of Bahrain's sovereignty and international law. The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry warned that such attacks undermine regional and international efforts to de-escalate tensions and pose a serious threat to regional peace and stability.

Qatar also denounced the attack, describing it as a clear violation of Bahrain's sovereignty and international law. Doha stressed the importance of avoiding further escalation, continuing dialogue and diplomacy, and building on gains achieved through the US-Iran memorandum of understanding.

Egypt condemned the drone attack as an unacceptable escalation that undermines regional efforts to reduce tensions. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said the incident came at a time when regional initiatives were advancing efforts to consolidate stability and urged all parties to refrain from actions that could inflame tensions.

Jordan also strongly condemned what it called Iran's "brutal" drone attack, describing it as a flagrant violation of Bahrain's sovereignty, a threat to its security and territorial integrity, and a serious breach of international law and the UN Charter. Amman reiterated its full support for Bahrain and its right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty.

The attack marks the first reported Iranian strike against Bahrain since Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18 aimed at easing tensions and reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial navigation following months of conflict.

Early Saturday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced it had targeted US positions in the region in retaliation for what it described as an American strike against Iran. Earlier, Iranian state television reported that a port facility in the southern city of Sirik had come under what it called a "hostile attack."

The US Central Command (CENTCOM), meanwhile, said it had conducted airstrikes against targets in Iran in response to an attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday.

The June memorandum between Washington and Tehran was intended to restore commercial shipping through the strategic waterway after its closure disrupted global energy markets and sent oil and gas prices sharply higher during the conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel.

During that conflict, Bahrain and several other Arab countries were targeted by Iranian attacks that Tehran said were aimed at US interests in the region, although some strikes hit civilian infrastructure and strategic facilities, prompting widespread regional condemnation.