Tehran, June 29 -- An adviser to Iran's supreme leader has issued a stark warning to Bahrain, declaring that Tehran would strike the kingdom with intensified military force if provoked.

Ali Akbar Velayati stated, "A serious warning is being given to the Bahrainis to know their limits and not play such games with their own fate, and not force Iran to adopt harsh decisions," according to a report by the semi-official Tasnim News.

Iran targeted a US Navy base in Bahrain over Friday and Saturday, claiming that Washington uses military bases in the region to launch attacks on its territory. While Gulf nations deny the claim, Manama has condemned the latest attacks, saying they violated its sovereignty and undermined "opportunities for de-esc...