The Middle East is facing fresh uncertainty after a series of unexplained airstrikes struck multiple locations in Iran shortly after the United States announced it had completed its latest military operation. The mysterious attacks, including reported explosions near the strategic port of Chabahar, have raised new questions about who is targeting Iran and whether another regional player has entered the conflict. With no country claiming responsibility, the strikes have added another layer of tension to an already volatile situation.
Airstrikes continue despite US announcement
According to the US Central Command, American forces completed their latest round of military operations against Iran at around 6:30 a.m. local time on Thursday. However, only a short while later, Iranian media reported fresh explosions and airstrikes in several parts of the country.

Reports said the attacks hit locations in Bushehr province, Sistan-Baluchistan, Ahvaz, Chabahar and other southern regions. The timing surprised both observers and Iranian authorities because the attacks came after Washington publicly stated that its operation had ended.
So far, the United States has not accepted responsibility for these latest strikes, and no other country or armed group has claimed involvement. US Central Command has also not responded publicly to requests for comment regarding the new attacks.
Iran searches for answers as suspicion grows
The latest strikes came at a highly sensitive moment, as Iran was preparing to bury its late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The unexplained attacks have left Iranian officials searching for answers while increasing security concerns across the country.

Although Iran has not officially blamed any nation, one Iranian lawmaker accused the United Arab Emirates of assisting the earlier American military campaign against Tehran and warned of possible consequences. At the same time, Iranian officials continue to argue that regional countries have supported actions against the Islamic Republic.
Military analysts believe the lack of responsibility makes the situation even more dangerous because uncertainty increases the risk of miscalculation and further retaliation.
Iran responds as regional tensions rise
Earlier on Thursday, Iran launched missile attacks targeting American military facilities in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar. Air raid sirens sounded across the region as authorities activated emergency measures and residents sought shelter.
Following Iran’s response, diplomatic activity intensified across the Gulf. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan travelled to Kuwait for discussions with the country’s leadership, while Gulf nations also held consultations with Qatar’s foreign minister to assess the rapidly changing security situation.
Iran has alleged that Saudi Arabia and the UAE were involved in attacks after Tehran targeted energy facilities in the Gulf, although no independent confirmation has been provided.
Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the crisis
The latest developments have once again placed the Strait of Hormuz at the centre of global attention. The narrow waterway carries nearly one-fifth of the world’s traded crude oil, making it one of the most strategically important shipping routes on the planet.
The United States and Gulf Arab nations continue to insist that the Strait must remain open for international shipping. Iran, however, argues that it has sovereign control over the route and has suggested that commercial vessels should pay fees to pass through the waterway.
Meanwhile, Israel has not claimed responsibility for the latest strikes, despite previously acknowledging its military operations against Iran. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the Israeli military remains on high alert and is prepared to launch further operations against Iran if necessary. He warned that Israel would return “with even greater force” should future military action become necessary.
With mystery surrounding the latest airstrikes and diplomatic tensions continuing to rise, the Middle East remains on edge as the world waits to learn who carried out the attacks and whether the conflict is moving toward another dangerous phase.
First published on: Jul 10, 2026 10:00 PM IST
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