Iran Strikes Bahrain's BAPCO Oil Facility Amid Rising Tensions

Iran has escalated its military actions by targeting Bahrain's BAPCO oil facility, the largest refinery in the country. This attack coincided with the announcement of Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader of Iran. Following the incident, Bapco Energies declared force majeure on operations, highlighting the severity of the situation. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian initially apologized to Gulf nations but later reaffirmed Iran's right to defend itself against perceived threats. This incident raises concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for further conflict.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 9, 2026, 15:48 IST

Iran's Attack on Bahrain's Oil Infrastructure

Manama: On Sunday, March 8, Iran intensified its military actions in the Gulf region, specifically targeting Bahrain's BAPCO oil facility, the largest refinery in the country. A video emerged shortly after the incident, showing thick black smoke rising from the site. Reports indicate that the attack coincided with the clerical assembly's announcement of Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader of Iran. Bahraini officials confirmed that the oil facility sustained damage, although there were no reports of injuries.

Watch the Video of the Incident:

Following the attack, Bapco Energies declared force majeure on its operations, as reported by local media. This clause allows parties to suspend their supply obligations due to unforeseen circumstances.

BAPCO is crucial to Bahrain's energy sector, operating a refinery with a capacity of 267,000 barrels per day and storage for 14 million barrels. The facility, located in the southern governorate of Bahrain, includes various operational units such as Atmospheric Crude Distillation Units and Low Sulphur Fuel Oil Complex.

On the same day, the clerical assembly appointed Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the new Supreme Leader. The elder Khamenei was killed in a joint airstrike by the US and Israel on February 28.

Iran's President Addresses Gulf Nations:

On Saturday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed regret to neighboring Gulf countries for the attacks, stating that they would not be targeted unless provoked. However, after facing backlash, he revised his statement, asserting Iran's right to defend itself against US and Israeli aggression, emphasizing that the attacks were aimed at facilities responsible for hostile actions against Iran.