A series of unexplained airstrikes struck multiple locations across Iran on Thursday, shortly after the United States announced it had concluded its latest military campaign, raising fresh questions over who may still be targeting the Islamic Republic, according to the Associated Press.
The strikes reportedly occurred as Iran prepared to hold funeral ceremonies for late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While Tehran has not officially blamed any country, Iranian lawmaker Esmail Kousari warned the United Arab Emirates over what he alleged was its behind-the-scenes support for U.S. military operations.
According to AP, Iranian media reported explosions in Bushehr and Sistan and Baluchestan provinces, as well as in the cities of Ahvaz and Chabahar, shortly after U.S. Central Command announced it had completed a wave of operations targeting around 90 sites in Iran. The U.S. military declined to comment on the additional strikes.
Iran responded later on Thursday by launching a broader missile barrage targeting Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Qatar. Air raid sirens sounded across the four countries, while Kuwait reported at least one injury as air defense systems intercepted incoming missiles.
The attacks came amid heightened tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas supplies pass. Iran has insisted the strategic waterway should fall under its exclusive control and has proposed charging transit fees to passing vessels, a position rejected by the United States and Gulf countries, which maintain that the strait remains an international waterway.
The Associated Press reported that the U.S. continues to advise commercial shipping to use a southern route through Oman's territorial waters to reduce the risk of Iranian attacks. On Friday, the Joint Maritime Information Center, overseen by the U.S. Navy, renewed that guidance, despite recent attacks on merchant vessels in the area.
Israel, which participated in the recent conflict with Iran, has not claimed responsibility for the latest strikes. However, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the Israeli military remains prepared to resume operations against Iran if necessary, warning that any future campaign would be carried out "with even greater force."
Meanwhile, Gulf Arab states have not publicly responded to Iran's latest accusations. During the conflict, Tehran repeatedly alleged that countries including Saudi Arabia and the UAE had supported U.S. military operations, claims they have consistently denied.
