Bahrain opens door for volunteers to aid in wartime efforts amid Iran-Gulf tensions

Manama has launched the 'Bahrain is Safe... As Long as You Are Its People' campaign, encouraging volunteers to aid wartime efforts in numerous sectors.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab Staff & Agencies

04 March, 2026

Bahrain was among the countries hit by Iran, during its retaliatory strikes on US interests across the Gulf [Getty/file photo]

Bahrain said on Wednesday that residents could register as volunteers to aid war efforts in sectors including health, engineering, logistics and administration, as Iran pressed on with its Gulf retaliation campaign.

Iran has lashed out with missile and drone strikes on countries from the Gulf to Israel since the United States and Israel launched a massive air campaign.

Thirteen people, seven of them civilians, have been killed in countries around the Gulf since the war began.

The Pentagon has announced the deaths of six US servicemen since Saturday, four of them in Kuwait.

Iran has targeted US military assets in Bahrain but also the airport, residential buildings and hotels, killing one civilian.

"Those wishing to volunteer can register for the "Bahrain is Safe... As Long as You Are Its People" campaign through the National Volunteer Platform, volunteer.gov.bh," the statement published by the Bahrain News Agency said.

"Volunteer opportunities have been identified in various fields, including health, engineering, logistics, administration, oversight, and other areas," it added.

More than half of Bahrain's population of roughly 1.5 million is comprised of foreigners, and the volunteer drive is open to citizens and foreigners alike.

The website calls on volunteers to "support the national efforts in confronting the hostile Iranian attacks against the Kingdom of Bahrain".

Located between regional arch-rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia, Sunni-ruled Bahrain is home to a Shia majority that has long complained of political marginalisation.

Bahrain and Iran have long had complicated ties.

The tiny Gulf monarchy cut ties with Iran in 2016, following in the footsteps of Saudi Arabia after angry protesters attacked Riyadh's diplomatic missions in Iran following the Saudi execution of a prominent Shia Muslim cleric.

In 2024, Iran and Bahrain agreed to launch negotiations on how to restore diplomatic relations but the talks have stalled since.

In 2011, protests demanding an elected government rocked the archipelago, sparking a crackdown on dissent.