Saudi Arabia, Bahrain Condemn Iranian Drone Attacks as Breach of 2026 Peace Pact
Riyadh and Manama accuse Tehran of violating 2026 peace agreement and international law.
RIYADH/MANAMA — Saudi Arabia and Bahrain on Saturday condemned a series of Iranian drone strikes against Bahraini territory, accusing Tehran of violating a 2026 peace agreement and undermining international efforts to stabilize the region.
The attacks, which occurred at dawn, represent a “flagrant violation” of Bahraini Sovereignty and a breach of international norms regarding the protection of civilian areas, the Bahraini Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
In Riyadh, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its condemnation in the “strongest terms,” warning that such actions jeopardize regional stability. The ministry reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s “categorical rejection” of the strikes, characterizing them as a violation of the United Nations Charter.
The escalation comes despite the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, signed on June 17, 2026, in which Iran pledged to cease military operations and respect the sovereignty of regional states. Bahraini officials said the Iranian drone strikes demonstrate a “disregard for the international community” and the commitments Tehran previously accepted.
Manama also cited UN Security Council Resolution 2817, a measure introduced by Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Jordan. The resolution, which received support from 136 nations, was intended to establish a framework for regional peace.
“Peace is not built through intimidation, and security is not seized through aggression,” the Bahraini Foreign Ministry stated, adding that the country reserves the right to defend its territory under international law.
The Gulf Cooperation Council, a political and economic union consisting of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, has frequently coordinated on regional defense and foreign policy. Saudi Arabia’s swift support for Bahrain underscores the security ties between the two monarchies, which share a maritime border.
Bahrain called on the UN Security Council to enforce its resolutions and hold Iran accountable for the strikes. Iranian officials have not yet issued a formal response to the allegations.
