Iran's pattern of targeting Bahrain stems from Tehran's view of the kingdom as a key US military hub, home to the Navy's Fifth Fleet, amid broader clashes over the Strait of Hormuz and regional influence. Recent developments include multiple Iranian missile and drone strikes on Bahraini territory in February, March, and June 2026, plus claimed attacks on September 1 following US operations, often framed by Iran as responses to American actions or warnings against Gulf states supporting Washington. Bahrain has condemned the strikes as sovereignty violations, conducted security crackdowns on alleged IRGC-linked networks, and participated in GCC-US diplomacy seeking de-escalation and navigation guarantees. Ongoing US-Iran talks and any new escalations could shift the likelihood of additional targeting before market resolution dates.