MANAMA July 14, 2026 – Bahrain’s media adviser to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Nabeel Alhamer, stated early Tuesday that the kingdom’s air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed multiple Iranian aerial attacks in recent hours.
The announcement comes amid a sharp escalation in the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict centered on the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Al Jazeera’s live coverage, the United States has conducted additional strikes on Iranian targets for a third consecutive night. U.S. forces targeted coastal guard stations, air raid shelters, and other military infrastructure on islands including Kish, Qeshm, and near Bandar Abbas and Bushehr. President Donald Trump has ordered the reinstatement of a U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports and declared the United States the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz, with plans to impose a 20% fee on commercial shipping passing through the vital waterway.
Iranian state media and officials have reported retaliatory actions, including missile strikes on U.S.-linked targets and warnings against interference in the Strait of Hormuz. Regional allies have also reported incidents: the UAE stated that Iranian cruise missiles struck two of its national tankers, causing casualties.
Bahrain, which hosts the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, has positioned itself as actively defending its territory and airspace during the heightened tensions. Alhamer’s statement marks one of the first public claims by a Gulf state of successfully neutralizing direct Iranian aerial threats in this latest phase of the conflict.
Oil prices have surged sharply on the news of renewed U.S. military action and the planned blockade, with global benchmarks rising more than 9% in recent trading.
The situation remains fluid. Al Jazeera continues to provide live updates on developments across the region.
About The Author
