A series of mysterious, unclaimed airstrikes struck southern Iran on Thursday, just as the country prepared to bury the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The attacks followed the conclusion of U.S. military strikes and have raised questions about who else may be targeting the Islamic Republic.
Strikes Hit Multiple Provinces
Iranian news outlets and state media reported explosions targeting Bushehr and Sistan and Baluchestan provinces, as well as the cities of Ahvaz and Chabahar. The U.S. military's Central Command had announced around 6:30 a.m. local time on Thursday that it had concluded a round of strikes hitting some 90 targets. Central Command did not respond to requests for comment on the additional strikes.
Iran has not directly blamed anyone for the unclaimed attacks, but Esmail Kousari, a member of the Iranian parliament's national security committee and a former Revolutionary Guard commander, warned the United Arab Emirates would "pay the price for its cooperation with the United States." He accused the Emirates of playing a "behind-the-scenes" role in recent U.S. attacks, according to Iranian state media on Friday.
Iran Launches Wider Volley
In response to Thursday's strikes, Iran launched a broader volley of attacks across the Middle East, targeting Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Qatar. Missile alert sirens sounded in all four countries, sending people to shelters. One person was reportedly injured in Kuwait as air defense systems engaged incoming fire.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the leader of the UAE, traveled to Kuwait immediately after the Iranian attack for a meeting with the ruling emir. Gulf Arab countries also held calls with Qatar's foreign minister, who—along with Pakistan—has been mediating talks between Iran and the U.S. over an interim deal to halt open warfare.
Israel's Role and Threats
Israel, which participated in the Iran war, has not claimed any recent attacks on Iran since June. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with President Donald Trump on Thursday night, with Trump updating Netanyahu on "American moves in the Gulf," according to the Israeli government.
Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz renewed threats, stating at a military ceremony: "The Israeli military is on alert and ready to renew the campaign, to reestablish aerial superiority, and to carry out a blue-white (Israeli) strike in Iran to remove threats, even for a third time. If we have to return, we will return with even greater force."
Strait of Hormuz Tensions
The attacks come amid ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of all oil and natural gas passes. Iran insists the strait must now be under its sole control and that vessels should pay fees to Tehran, despite the waterway being considered international for decades. The U.S. and Gulf Arab states insist the strait must remain open and free for shipping.
Iran's grip on the strait during the conflict triggered a global energy crisis, though oil prices have dropped sharply from wartime highs of $120 per barrel.
The Joint Maritime Information Centre, a multinational body overseen by the U.S. Navy, issued a new advisory on Friday urging mariners to travel on a southern route through Oman's territorial waters to avoid Iran. A similar advisory earlier this week sparked an Iranian attack on Tuesday that hit three vessels. The center stated: "Notwithstanding recent unprovoked attacks on merchant vessels, mariners are reminded that the southern route of the (strait) has been expanded and remains available for all traffic."
Gulf Arab States' Position
Gulf Arab states, which have been repeatedly targeted by Iran since the war began on February 28, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday. During the Iran war, officials say both Saudi Arabia and the UAE launched airstrikes targeting Iran after Tehran struck energy sites in their countries. The U.S. has maintained a broad military footprint across the Gulf since the 1991 Gulf War, including in Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet headquarters.
