Manama: Bahrain has announced a prohibition on its citizens from traveling to Iraq and Iran due to a "tense security situation," as reported by the country's Interior Ministry. The decision, aimed at ensuring national security and the safety of its citizens, was made public on Tuesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the ministry's statement, cited by the state news agency BNA, attributed the travel ban to ongoing tensions following what it described as "sinful Iranian aggression." The ban will persist "until further notice," with authorities indicating that actions will be taken against any citizens who violate this directive.

The security situation in the Middle East has been increasingly fraught since the United States and Israel conducted strikes on Iran on February 28. In response, Iran launched retaliatory attacks targeting Israel and US allies in the Gulf region, while also closing the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire was brokered on April 8 with Pakistani mediation; however, follow-up discussions in Islamabad have not yet resulted in a lasting resolution.

Efforts to renew direct negotiations continue, with both sides exchanging proposals and counterproposals in hopes of concluding the ongoing conflict.