A major explosion occurred in Bahrain on March 9, injuring dozens of civilians and damaging homes amid ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Initially, both Bahrain and Washington blamed an Iranian drone for the incident. However, new analysis by a group of academic researchers, reviewed by Reuters, indicates that the missile involved may have been part of a US-operated Patriot air defense system.

Bahrain has since acknowledged for the first time that a Patriot missile was linked to the explosion in the Mahazza area of Sitra Island near the capital Manama, a region known for its oil refinery. A Bahraini government spokesperson claimed the missile successfully intercepted an Iranian drone, preventing greater casualties, and said the damage was not caused by a direct ground impact.

Neither Bahrain nor the United States has yet presented concrete evidence of Iranian drone involvement. Post-blast footage showed widespread destruction, dust-covered streets, and frightened residents in the affected area.