Key facts
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is planning a visit to Bahrain.
- The visit aims to reassure Bahrain amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
- Bahrain hosts the US Fifth Fleet and has sustained damage to industrial sectors.
- Oil prices have surged 40% due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran has reportedly targeted Bahrain to exploit internal political divides.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is planning a visit to Bahrain in the coming weeks, signaling support for the Gulf ally amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. Officials familiar with the matter stated the trip would be viewed as a vote of confidence in Bahrain's ruling Al Khalifa monarchy and a demonstration of Washington's commitment to the region.
The visit comes after US and Israeli forces attacked Iran on February 28, triggering significant disruptions to global oil supplies. Oil prices have surged by 40%, with Iran restricting access through the Strait of Hormuz and attacking energy facilities. Bahrain, which hosts the US Fifth Fleet headquarters, has been significantly affected, with its industrial sector, including Amazon's cloud operations and the Aluminium Bahrain smelter, sustaining damage.
Despite a fragile ceasefire agreed to in April, Bahrain and Kuwait were targeted again last week following US strikes on Iranian ports. Bahrain's economy, already burdened by debt, relies on regional support, and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have impacted its exports. Some officials suspect Iran's attacks on Bahrain are intended to exacerbate existing divides between the Sunni ruling family and the majority Shia population.
Western and Arab diplomats note that Bahrain's ruling family has been among those calling for an expanded offensive against Iran. The kingdom has also shifted closer to the UAE's influence and normalized ties with Israel in 2020. While the US has maintained a military presence in Bahrain since the 1940s, some experts question the long-term viability of Gulf bases given Iranian capabilities.