In war's opening days, Iran's attacks on Bahrain caught Navy families and sailors by surprise
Updated on: September 21, 2026 / 1:21 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Iran targeted the Navy's Middle East headquarters in Bahrain on the first day of the war.
- Military families faced delayed evacuations, with some waiting over a week for safety.
- Iranian missiles and drones attacked Bahrain consistently for several days, taking the U.S. government by surprise.
- The attacks caused extensive damage to the base, including a key radar system.
- Damage to bases has not been included in the U.S. war cost estimates.
- Resupply routes for ships have been impacted, leading to extended logistics cycles and shortages.
- The Navy has evacuated about 1,450 service members and families from Bahrain.
- Evacuated families are experiencing financial difficulties, often paying for two households and depleting savings.
- Reimbursement claims for housing costs are taking weeks to months to process.
- The Navy does not have immediate plans to return to its previous footprint in Bahrain.