For decades Bahrain has been known as a country that promotes peace, coexistence, and social harmony. Few Bahrainis imagined that they would one day wake up to the sound and reality of war reaching their own land. Yet this is the reality many people woke up to on February 28.
The attacks targeting Bahrain are not simply attacks on one small island state. They are attacks on a network of partnerships and alliances that have shaped the region’s stability for decades. Iranian missiles have not only targeted Bahrain but also targeted the wider Gulf region and facilities linked to the United States presence in the region. In effect, this confrontation extends beyond Bahrain itself, touching the broader security architecture of the Gulf.
For many Bahrainis, the shock is real. An unexpected attack from a neighboring country is a profound moment for any society, especially one that has long taken pride in its safety and stability. However, the hostility itself is not entirely new.
Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran’s leadership has repeatedly used hostile rhetoric towards Bahrain and questioned its sovereignty. Bahrain has faced direct and indirect destabilization attempts before. The country foiled a coup attempt in 1981 and experienced external interference during moments of unrest in the 1990s and again during the events of 2011, when outside actors attempted to exploit domestic grievances. But this time the reality is different.
This time the confrontation is not limited to rhetoric, political narratives, or covert activities. This time the Islamic Republic has resorted to missiles. Such escalation will inevitably reshape how many Bahrainis view Iran if the current regime remains in power. The perception of Iran as a distant ideological actor is quickly being replaced by the image of a direct military threat. Many Bahrainis who once viewed the conflict as a geopolitical dispute now see it as something far closer to home.
For younger Bahrainis, especially those who grew up hearing about Iran’s hostility without fully experiencing its consequences, the current events are creating a new understanding. The Islamic Republic’s hostility is no longer a historical narrative discussed in political debates; it is something that people are witnessing in real time.
As a result, resentment towards the Islamic Republic is likely to grow across broad segments of society. While some individuals may still hold ideological sympathies towards Iran, particularly within small circles, the overall perception of Iran among Bahrainis is shifting rapidly. For many, Iran is no longer simply a rival power, it is increasingly viewed as a direct threat.
It has become evident that these attacks go far beyond US military facilities. Missiles have targeted residential areas and critical infrastructure, including energy sites such as Bapco and even the airport. What Tehran may portray as a confrontation with the United States is experienced here as an attack on our own countries and our own people.
Daily Life Amid the Crisis
Despite the magnitude of the situation, daily life across Bahrain continues with a degree of resilience and adaptation. Schools across the country have shifted to online learning, ensuring that education continues. The government has announced that approximately seventy percent of the workforce should operate remotely as a precautionary measure. Thanks to the remote working culture that developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, many institutions and businesses have been able to quickly transition to working from home.
Most businesses remain open. Cafés, malls, and commercial establishments continue to operate, reflecting a broader effort to maintain stability and normalcy. Certain areas have been subject to stricter measures. Juffair, the town that hosts the United States Fifth Fleet headquarters, has been largely evacuated as a precaution. Residents in high-rise buildings in the area have been relocated to shelters as part of the government’s emergency preparedness plan.
These steps reflect the seriousness of the situation while also demonstrating the country’s ability to respond quickly and systematically to emerging threats.
Debates Over Responsibility and Alliances
As with any conflict, the question of blame is widely debated. For many people in the Arab world, Israel remains the primary actor blamed for regional escalation. Even at a moment when several states share concerns about the Islamic Republic’s regional behavior, public attitudes toward Israel remain negative. This social reality continues to shape how people interpret unfolding events.
At the same time, a different geopolitical reality is emerging. Despite deep historical disagreements and unresolved conflicts, the current confrontation has created an unusual alignment of interests. Israel, the United States, several Gulf states, and most ordinary Iranians share a common concern about the actions and ideology of the Islamic Republic. While few openly acknowledge this convergence, it reflects the complexity of the regional landscape today.
Within Bahrain itself, opinions also vary regarding the role of the United States. Some citizens have expressed frustration that the presence of the US Fifth Fleet headquarters has made Bahrain a target in broader regional confrontations. Attacks near Juffair and surrounding areas have heightened these concerns, and some people question whether the region is being drawn into conflicts that could have been avoided.
For decades Gulf states managed their complex relationship with Iran while attempting to contain its destabilizing activities. Some Bahrainis believe that the current escalation was unnecessary and that the region could have continued to manage tensions through cautious diplomacy. Others take a different view. They argue that the Islamic Republic has long functioned as a destabilizing force across the region and that confronting it directly may ultimately be necessary to end decades of proxy warfare, militancy, and ideological interference.
At the same time, many Bahrainis continue to view the United States as a strategic ally whose presence contributes to the country’s security. Bahrain and the United States maintain a close defense partnership through the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (CSIPA), and Bahrain has activated consultations under Article 2 of the agreement in response to the current situation. Still, expectations remain high, and many citizens believe that more visible protection from allies may be necessary in the coming period.
National Unity and Public Sentiment
Perhaps the most important question observers are asking concerns Bahrain’s internal unity. Foreign commentators often speculate about the possibility of sectarian tensions within Bahrain during moments of regional confrontation. Yet the reality on the ground appears far more complex than such predictions suggest.
Bahrain is a society where families, friendships, and professional networks often cross sectarian lines. Many citizens understand the painful divisions that emerged during the events of 2011 and are cautious not to allow external conflicts to reopen those wounds.
In fact, the current crisis has generated a strong sense of solidarity. Missile strikes have injured residents in the predominantly Shia town of Sitra, while other attacks on residential buildings in Manama have left several civilians injured and resulted in the tragic death of a Bahraini woman. At the same time, Bahrain’s air defense systems has demonstrated its effectiveness in intercepting threats and protecting civilian areas, reinforcing public confidence during this tense period.
For Bahrainis, these incidents are not distant geopolitical developments. They affect fellow citizens and communities across the country. In response, a national volunteering campaign has begun, allowing citizens from all backgrounds to register and assist in national efforts during the crisis. The initiative has received widespread support and reflects a broader sense of collective responsibility during a difficult moment. Rather than deepening divisions, the attacks may in fact strengthen national unity.
The dominant feeling across Bahrain today is uncertainty. For generations Bahrainis have taken pride in living in one of the safest societies in the region. The sudden breach of that sense of security has created understandable anxiety. Yet it has also reinforced a powerful reminder, when faced with external threats, the overwhelming majority of Bahrainis place their country first. And for a younger generation that once viewed the Islamic Republic’s hostility as distant political rhetoric, the events of today have transformed that narrative into a lived reality that may shape perceptions for years to come.