The UK Foreign Office has issued fresh travel warnings for Bahrain, citing information suggesting Iran may seek to target unspecified locations in central Manama. The advisory, echoed by the US Embassy in Manama, urges British nationals to remain vigilant and follow local authorities' instructions.
Background of the Warning
According to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the warning follows a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the US and Iran regarding the conflict in the Middle East. The FCDO stated: "The situation remains unpredictable. Iran has carried out further attacks on Bahrain since the MOU was agreed, and could do so again at short notice. On 20 July, the US Embassy Manama issued an advisory that Iran may seek to target unspecified locations in central Manama. British nationals should remain vigilant and follow local authorities' instructions."
Previous Iranian Attacks
Prior to the 8 April ceasefire between the US and Iran, Iran had repeatedly targeted Gulf destinations with connections to the US or Israel, including organizations, businesses, facilities, and institutions. Iran has also previously struck civilian infrastructure such as ports, hotels, roads, bridges, energy facilities, oil production sites, water systems, and airports. These remain probable targets amid the ongoing conflict following the February 28 attacks, which marked the beginning of the Iran war when the US and Israel launched a joint assault on Iranian nuclear, military, and infrastructure sites. The 12-hour operation involved nearly 900 strikes and killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, triggering retaliatory attacks across the Middle East.
Broader Travel Advisories
Other Western nations have also strengthened travel guidance. Australia upgraded its advisory for Jordan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia to level three, urging citizens to reconsider travel due to the "volatile" security situation. Australia's Smartraveller website advises tourists to "stay as short a time as possible" if in transit. Six nations remain at the highest 'do not travel' level: Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen. Smartraveller stated: "We now advise 'reconsider your need to travel' overall, due to the unpredictable security situation. Avoid non-essential travel to these locations. If you need to transit, stay as short a time as possible and avoid unnecessary activities. Airspace may close at short notice. Flights can change or stop suddenly. Borders can close."
