This archive photo, with an unspecified date, provided by the U.S. Department of Defense, shows an American B-2 bomber in flight at an undisclosed location. (Credit: United States Air Force/AFP)
Bahrain and Kuwait, which host U.S. bases, took measures on Sunday in anticipation of a possible expansion of the conflict with Iran to their territory. Bahrain called on motorists to avoid main roads, while Kuwait set up shelters in a ministerial complex, following U.S. strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.
Additionally, two sources familiar with the matter stated that Saudi Arabia is on maximum security alert, while Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi ordered the government to ensure the availability of basic product reserves.
U.S. forces struck the three main nuclear sites in Iran late Saturday night, and President Donald Trump warned Tehran that it would face even more devastating attacks if it did not agree to peace. Tehran had previously warned that any U.S. attack would lead to reprisals against U.S. interests in the region, including military bases.
70% of Bahraini civil servants called to work from home
Bahrain hosts the headquarters of the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, and several US bases are located in Kuwait. “In light of recent developments in the regional security situation, we call on citizens and residents to use the main roads only if necessary, to preserve public safety and allow the concerned authorities to use the roadways effectively,” said Bahrain's Ministry of Interior in a message posted on X.
Bahrain also ordered 70 percent of public sector employees to work from home starting Sunday until further notice due to rising tensions, according to the Public Service Bureau.
Kuwait, for its part, set up shelters in the country's ministerial complex, a vast array of buildings housing several ministries, including those of Justice and Finance, according to Kuwait's Ministry of Finance. Earlier this week, Bahraini authorities announced the activation of a national plan and a national civil emergency center to prepare for any crisis. They conducted siren alert tests across the country. Regional media also reported that the government established 33 shelters.