Iran drone attack on Bahrain follows US airstrikes as ship hit in Strait of Hormuz

Iran launched drones towards Bahrain on Saturday, while a tanker was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. The incidents followed overnight US airstrikes on Iranian sites. The flare-up raised new concerns about the ceasefire, even as Iran and the US worked under an interim deal. The Strait of Hormuz remained central to the dispute.

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The US had carried out the overnight strikes after an Iranian drone hit a container ship on Thursday. That vessel was trying to exit the strait, according to reports. The new attacks added pressure on talks meant to stop the conflict from worsening. They also showed how quickly fighting could return in the Persian Gulf.

Strait of Hormuz route expands amid attacks

The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre said a tanker was attacked on Saturday in the strait. The crew was safe and there was no environmental damage reported. No group claimed responsibility straight away. However, suspicion fell on Iran after the strike was reported.

Soon after, the Joint Maritime Information Centre, overseen by the US Navy, said a route near Oman’s shore would be widened. The change was meant to handle both inbound and outbound traffic. The move could create another point of tension with Tehran. Iran viewed the strait as leverage in negotiations.

The Joint Maritime Information Centre warned that the threat to shipping was substantial. It advised mariners about the presence of mines in the area. It also said ships should expect naval forces nearby. The warning came as clearance operations continued in waters linked to the strait.

The International Maritime Organisation on Friday stopped a new evacuation push for ships. It said it would not restart until there were guarantees vessels would not be attacked. The agency said about 115 ships had moved out in recent days. Departures increased as risks near the Gulf appeared to rise.

Bahrain condemns Iran drone attack

Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry said several Iranian drones targeted the country. The ministry called the incident a "flagrant threat to the security of citizens and residents.\" There were no immediate reports of damage. Bahrain hosts the US Navy’s 5th Fleet and has often criticised Iran’s actions in the region.

Bahrain recently hosted US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for a Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers meeting. The meeting ended with a call to stop Iran’s attacks. It also urged that the strait remain fully open to shipping. The latest drone launch came soon after that joint message.

Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard issued a statement carried by IRNA on Saturday. It said it had targeted \"several locations of the US terrorist army in the region.\" The statement did not identify the places struck. The claim followed reports of the drone attack directed at Bahrain.

US-Iran talks on Strait of Hormuz and uranium stockpile

US Central Command said the overnight US strikes hit Iranian missile and drone locations. It also said coastal radar sites were targeted. The action followed the Thursday drone attack on a container ship. The exchanges formed part of a series of incidents that shook the ceasefire.

US Vice President JD Vance wrote on social media on Friday night about the ceasefire dispute. Vance said Iran should \"pick up the phone if there are disagreements about the ceasefire agreement, but violence will be met with violence.\" Vance has led the negotiations with Iran.

Negotiators were working on issues including safe passage for ships through the strait. The waterway is vital for global oil and natural gas supplies. Talks also covered the future of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Under the interim deal, the two sides had 60 days to settle details.

Iran has said ships must follow its orders in the strait. Tehran also warned it would begin charging fees for transit. Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s parliament national security commission, wrote on Friday: \"Respect the rules.\" The US and Gulf Arab states rejected Iran’s demands.

The Strait of Hormuz is treated as an international waterway by the US and regional Arab states. Iran and Oman still hold territorial waters along the route. With attacks reported and routes being adjusted, shipping remained under close watch. The interim deal timelines continued, but the risks at sea stayed high.

With inputs from PTI