Bahrain announced early Wednesday that it had been targeted by aerial attacks attributed to Iran, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions following the United States’ decision to reinstate a comprehensive naval blockade on Iranian ports and coastal areas.

In an official statement, Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior confirmed that air raid sirens had been activated as a precautionary measure, urging citizens and residents to remain calm, move immediately to the nearest safe location, and follow updates exclusively through official communication channels.

Authorities emphasized the importance of adhering strictly to safety guidelines during the ongoing situation, warning against the spread of rumors or unverified information, and stressing that official sources remain the only reliable reference for accurate developments.

These events come shortly after the US military announced on Tuesday the resumption of a wide-ranging naval blockade targeting vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports and coastal regions, stating that the measure took effect at 4:00 PM Eastern Time as part of broader military operations in the region.

According to the US statement, more than 20 naval warships along with hundreds of military aircraft are currently operating across the Middle East, while Iranian state media reported an exchange of fire in the Strait of Hormuz hours after the blockade was reimposed, without providing further details.