Iran fires six drones at US radar site in Bahrain, second attack in three days
Iran's IRGC says it targeted a US radar facility in Bahrain with six drones on 15 November. Bahrain says its air defences destroyed them.
Livefeed News DeskUpdated · 2 min read
Quick answer
Iran's Revolutionary Guard says it used six drones against a US air defence radar facility at al-Riffa air base in Bahrain on Sunday 15 November. Bahrain's military says it intercepted and destroyed them. It was the second attack in three days.
Key facts
- The IRGC says it targeted a US radar facility at al-Riffa air base with six drones.
- Bahrain's military says its air defences destroyed the drones before they achieved their objectives.
- Friday's drone attack was Iran's first against Gulf countries since September.
- Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt condemned the attack.
- Trump said this week the US was no longer interested in a deal to end the war.
What happened in Bahrain
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it targeted a US air defence radar facility at al-Riffa air base using six drones. Bahrain's military said its air defences intercepted and destroyed the attacks "before they could achieve their objectives". Sirens sounded across Bahrain and the interior ministry told citizens to go to their nearest safe location.
The Guardian reports that officials did not immediately disclose any damage or injuries. It describes the site as the Al-Rifaa helicopter base, while the BBC calls it an air base.
Bahrain's foreign ministry said the kingdom "condemns in the strongest terms the continued brutal Iranian attacks on its territory and holds Iran fully responsible for their consequences".
U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jets patrol over regional waters in the Middle East. More than 1.7 billion barrels of crude oil have been shipped through the Strait of Hormuz by Gulf partners with U.S. protection. pic.twitter.com/S4wd1hk4Uw
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) November 14, 2026
🚫 CLAIM: Today, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it attacked a “U.S. early-warning radar” in Bahrain.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) November 13, 2026
✅ FACT: The IRGC launched two one-way attack drones toward Bahrain and both were shot down by U.S. forces. There were no injuries or damage. pic.twitter.com/mGvAJJGM6x
The earlier attack and competing claims
Iran fired drones at Bahrain on Friday, its first attack on Gulf countries since September. The IRGC claimed it hit a US early warning radar. The US military denied that, saying two one-way attack drones were shot down with no injuries or damage.
The IRGC statement said: "The Strait of Hormuz is closed, and any aggression by the American enemy will be met with an even harsher and more forceful response."
Regional reaction
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Bahrain. Saudi Arabia called it a violation of international law. Qatar called it a "dangerous escalation" that will complicate efforts to contain tensions. CNN reports that Gulf states have worried for weeks that Iran might again target them to push the nine-month conflict towards a resolution on its terms.
The Strait of Hormuz stand-off
About a fifth of the world's gas and oil supply usually passes through the strait, but shipping has been restricted since the war began in February. Iran says it should control the strait and has attacked what it calls "unauthorised" traffic, while the US military escorts tankers.
Earlier this week the US struck Qeshm Island, which US officials told CBS were limited, defensive strikes after the IRGC fired on a US aircraft. A preliminary deal to end the war and reopen the strait in June collapsed within weeks. This week Donald Trump said the US was no longer interested in a deal.
Frequently asked questions
What did Iran attack in Bahrain?
The IRGC says it targeted a US air defence radar facility at al-Riffa air base with six drones.
Was anyone hurt?
Officials did not immediately disclose any damage or injuries. The US said the earlier Friday attempt caused none.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz involved?
Iran says it should control the strait, and it and the US are locked in a stand-off over shipping there.
Who has condemned the attack?
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt, along with Bahrain itself.
