MANAMA, Bahrain, 20 JULY 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Air raid sirens sounded in the Gulf kingdom of Bahrain, the country's interior ministry said early Monday, as the United States and Iran traded new strikes.

"The siren has been sounded," Bahrain's interior ministry said in a statement on X.

"Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place."

The US Embassy in the capital Manama said it "has information to suggest that Iran may seek to target unspecified locations in central Manama".

"We urge all Americans to remain vigilant, follow local authorities' instructions, and review the latest guidance" from the embassy, it said on its website.

The island kingdom of Bahrain, host of the US Fifth Fleet, has been targeted by Iranian strikes in recent days.

Kuwait and Bahrain, which host US military installations, have borne the brunt of attacks by Iran on its Gulf neighbours since hostilities resumed this month despite a ceasefire and memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran.

Bahrain has accused Iran of targeting civilians in its attacks.