Air raid sirens sound across Jordan, Bahrain after Iranian missile strikes

2026-02-28 - 11:02

Air raid sirens echoed through multiple cities in Jordan and Bahrain on Saturday following Iranian missile launches directed at Israel, according to official statements. The projectiles were fired in response to earlier military operations conducted by Israeli and American forces against targets inside Iran, marking a significant escalation in the widening regional confrontation. Citizens in both Arab nations reported hearing warning systems activate as defense forces prepared for potential debris or miscalculated strikes. Bahrain issues public safety directives Bahrain's Interior Ministry moved quickly to reassure the population, issuing instructions for residents to remain calm and proceed to the nearest designated safe areas. The ministry emphasized the importance of public cooperation, urging citizens and expatriates to limit road usage to essential travel only. "This will help maintain public safety and allow our emergency services to operate without obstruction," the statement read, reflecting concerns about traffic congestion hindering rapid response capabilities during the ongoing crisis. Jordan on high alert Similar scenes unfolded in Jordan, where civil defense mechanisms were triggered as missile trajectories passed near or over Jordanian airspace. While no official statement has confirmed direct impacts on Jordanian territory, the activation of warning systems underscores the precarious position of neighboring states caught between the escalating conflict. Amman has historically maintained delicate relations with both Washington and Tehran, and the current violence places additional strain on the kingdom's efforts to remain neutral. Regional escalation deepens The Iranian missile barrage comes hours after Israel launched "Operation Lion's Roar" against Iranian military positions early Saturday. US President Donald Trump later confirmed American involvement, announcing "major combat operations" targeting what he described as the "Iranian regime." The coordinated campaign has effectively ended months of relative calm, with diplomatic efforts now appearing sidelined as military action takes precedence. For regional powers including Türkiye, the expanding theater of conflict raises serious concerns about broader destabilization across the Middle East, with potential repercussions for security, trade, and energy supplies.