Bahrain summons Iraqi envoy over drone attacks

Bahrain has called in an Iraqi diplomat after what it described as drone attacks launched from Iraq toward the kingdom and other countries in the region, according to the state news agency BNA. The move was reported on Monday, 13 Apr 2026, and comes as attacks are continuing despite a ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it “strongly condemned” what it called “continued malicious drone attacks” originating from Iraqi territory and directed at Bahrain and several Gulf Cooperation Council states, BNA reported. The ministry said Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalifa, director general of bilateral relations, delivered an official protest note during a meeting with Iraq’s charge d’affaires, Ahmed Ismail al-Karawi.

The note urged Baghdad to address “these threats and attacks urgently and responsibly,” the report said.

The diplomatic step followed similar action by Saudi Arabia a day earlier, underscoring widening concern among Gulf states about the activities of pro-Iranian groups based in Iraq. The developments also add pressure on Iraq’s efforts to restore and deepen relations with Arab neighbours after years of strain, as officials face demands to prevent cross-border attacks launched from Iraqi soil.

During the United States-Israel war on Iran, Iraq has been described as a platform for a parallel conflict, with drones and missiles launched by Iran-aligned armed groups repeatedly targeting Gulf states and Jordan. The same period has also seen attacks on US interests in Iraq, including the embassy in Baghdad, according to the account in the report.

Last month, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement calling on Baghdad to act immediately to stop attacks originating from its territory by Iran-aligned groups. ”

Iran-aligned groups in Iraq had said they would adhere to a two-week Iran-US ceasefire that began at dawn on Wednesday, and stated they were suspending actions toward Gulf countries. However, the report said that only hours after the ceasefire was announced, several Gulf nations reported missile and drone attacks on their territories, leaving uncertainty over enforcement and the ability of authorities to halt launches.