Bahrain and Kuwait, key Gulf nations hosting major U.S. military bases, scrambled to make emergency preparations on Sunday, fearing the conflict with Iran could spill across their borders. The heightened alert follows U.S. air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities late Saturday.
In Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet, the interior ministry urged citizens to stay off main roads unless absolutely necessary to ensure authorities could operate efficiently.
The government also ordered 70% of its employees to work from home until further notice, citing the escalating tensions. This follows earlier preparations in the week, where authorities tested public warning sirens and set up dozens of shelters across the country.
Meanwhile, Kuwait established emergency shelters in its extensive government ministries complex. Both nations are on high alert because they host significant American military assets, making them potential targets for retaliation. Tehran has previously warned it could target U.S. interests in the region if attacked.
The preparations reflect a growing anxiety in the region after President Donald Trump warned Iran it would face more devastating attacks if it did not agree to peace, raising the stakes for a wider regional confrontation.
