US Navy withdraws all vessels from Bahrain base amid rising tensions with Iran

Satellite images show that the US Navy has withdrawn all of its vessels from its base in Bahrain.

The move comes amid concerns that the headquarters of the United States Fifth Fleet in Bahrain could become a target for Iran if a conflict breaks out, according to Associated Press.

A similar step was taken by the US Navy in June, following an attack on nuclear facilities.

The Israeli military now estimates that the United States has reached a “point of no return” regarding a possible strike, and that senior military and political officials would receive only very short notice before any US attack.

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Talks between the United States and Iran are expected to resume on Thursday in Geneva, Switzerland, with Omani mediation. However, the US threat of military action remains in place and could materialise at any moment.

A significant number of US forces are deployed across the Middle East, including aircraft carriers, F-22 fighter jets that have landed in Israel, destroyers, and the EC-130H Compass Call aircraft, regarded as one of the most advanced platforms for electronic warfare.

A retired senior officer involved in regional operations said: “The chances that the United States will refrain from launching an attack are diminishing hour by hour.

“The question is when the first strike will take place, what form it will take, and how extensive it will be.”

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