Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted Aluminium Bahrain, one of the world's largest aluminum smelters, on March 28, wounding two employees in the latest strikes amid the ongoing 2026 Iran war. The company confirmed the attack caused significant damage to its facilities, though specifics on the extent remain limited.

The assault fits into a pattern of Iranian retaliation following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, which President Donald Trump described as efforts to halt Tehran's nuclear program and pursue regime change. Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters, has faced repeated missile and drone barrages since then. The initial strikes on February 28 destroyed parts of the Naval Support Activity Bahrain, though no immediate casualties were reported.

Subsequent attacks have inflicted mounting damage. On March 2, debris from an intercepted Iranian missile killed one Bangladeshi worker at Mina Salman Port and injured two others, while damaging an American oil tanker. A March 9 incident near Manama, involving a U.S.-operated Patriot missile intercepting an Iranian drone, injured 32 Bahraini civilians. On March 10, shrapnel from another drone attack killed a 29-year-old Bahraini woman and wounded eight more.

Bahraini defenses have intercepted hundreds of projectiles. As of March 28, the kingdom reported downing 174 ballistic missiles and 391 drones since the conflict began. Total casualties stand at two civilians killed and over 50 injured, including two U.S. Department of Defense employees.

The IRGC has claimed responsibility for the aluminum plant strike, asserting the facility supported U.S. military efforts. Similar attacks hit aluminum plants in the United Arab Emirates, broadening Iran's campaign against Gulf industrial sites. Bahrain has condemned the strikes as violations of sovereignty, joining Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, and Jordan in a March 26 statement to the UN.

Video footage verified by The New York Times shows ballistic missiles launched from Bahrain toward Iran on March 13, fired from U.S.-made equipment, though Bahrain denies direct offensive involvement. Iran has also targeted other U.S. bases, including Sheikh Isa Air Base, multiple times.

The conflict has disrupted regional economies, with Bahrain's state oil company declaring force majeure after refinery damage and Gulf Air relocating flights. Oil prices have surged due to threats in the Strait of Hormuz, and Yemen's Houthis have joined attacks on Israel. Gulf states urge inclusion in peace talks to protect economic interests.