Gulf states, home to multiple US military bases, have been on high alert today after US strikes on Iran raised the possibility of a widening conflict in the region.

Saudi Arabia was on a high security alert, while Kuwait set up shelters in a ministry complex.

Bahrain is home to the headquarters of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet and there are US bases in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, as well as in neighbouring Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Bahrain urged drivers to avoid main roads and also told 70 per cent of its government employees to work from home today until further notice, citing escalating tensions, according to the Civil Service Bureau.

The country’s authorities earlier this week said they had activated a national plan to prepare for emergencies, set up an emergency centre and tested warning sirens. Local media also reported that Bahrain had set up 33 shelters.