April 13, 2026 l By William Emma
The Kingdom of Bahrain has summoned the Iraqi ambassador in protest over a series of drone attacks it says were launched from Iraq toward its territory and other Gulf nations, escalating diplomatic tensions despite an ongoing ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
According to Bahrain’s official news agency, authorities issued a formal complaint condemning what they described as continued drone strikes originating from Iraqi territory. The government expressed “strong condemnation” and urged Baghdad to take immediate and responsible action to halt the attacks.
The move follows a similar action by Saudi Arabia, which had earlier summoned Iraq’s envoy over related incidents, indicating a broader regional response from Gulf states concerned about cross-border security threats.
Officials in Manama stated that the drones targeted not only Bahrain but also several other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), raising fears of a widening regional spillover from the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
During the conflict, pro-Iran armed groups operating within Iraq had reportedly claimed responsibility for repeated attacks on what they described as “enemy bases” across the region. While some groups announced a suspension of operations following the ceasefire, Gulf governments say the threats have not fully subsided.
In response to the escalating situation, multiple regional actors including Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates had previously issued a joint call demanding that Iraq take stronger measures to prevent armed groups from launching attacks from its territory.
The development underscores the fragile nature of the current ceasefire and highlights the complex regional dynamics, where state and non-state actors continue to influence security conditions across borders. Analysts warn that continued attacks could undermine diplomatic efforts and risk drawing more countries into the conflict.
As tensions persist, Bahrain’s diplomatic action reflects growing pressure on Iraq to assert control over armed factions within its borders and prevent further destabilization in an already volatile Middle East region.