Mysterious Airstrikes On Iran As US Announces Halt In Military Operations; Who Exactly Is Behind Them?

New Delhi: Following the US announcement to halt attacks, several mysterious airstrikes were carried out against Iran, though the perpetrators remain unidentified. These strikes have reignited questions regarding who else might be targeting Iran. The attacks occurred on Thursday, precisely as preparations were underway for the burial of Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Multiple areas across southern Iran were affected. While the country's religious leadership has not directly blamed any specific party, a lawmaker warned the United Arab Emirates over its alleged support for the US campaign against Iran.

Iran has been a frequent target since the conflict began on February 28. The Persian Gulf nation did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding these attacks on Friday. The strikes took place amidst ongoing insistence by these nations and the US that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open and free for maritime traffic. Iran maintains that the Strait should now be under its full control and that vessels should begin paying fees to Tehran, despite the waterway having been recognized internationally as an open passage for decades.

How many Targets did the US Hit in Iran?

US Central Command announced the completion of a wave of strikes targeting approximately 90 locations. Shortly thereafter, Iranian news outlets and state media reported multiple airstrikes and explosions targeting areas including the Bushehr and Sistan-Baluchestan provinces, the cities of Ahvaz and Chabahar, and other regions. Central Command did not respond to requests for comment regarding additional strikes.

How did Iran retaliate?

In retaliation for Thursday's attacks, Iran launched large-scale strikes targeting Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Qatar in the Middle East. Missile alert sirens blared across these four nations, prompting people to scramble for safety. Reports indicate that a person was injured in Kuwait when an air defense system engaged incoming threats in the area. Shortly after the Iranian attack, UAE leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Kuwait to meet with the Emir, the ruler of the oil-rich nation. Gulf Arab states also held discussions with Qatar's Foreign Minister; Qatar, alongside Pakistan, is playing a pivotal role in talks regarding an interim agreement between Iran and the US aimed at preventing the outbreak of open warfare.

What is the Price of Cooperating with the US?

On Friday, Iranian state media released a statement citing Esmail Kowsari—a member of the Iranian parliament's National Security Committee and a former commander of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard—warning that the UAE would have to pay a price for cooperating with the US. He alleged that the UAE was behind recent US attacks. Iran has repeatedly accused Gulf Arab nations of actively aiding the US in its conflict against Iran, allegations those countries denied during the war. Since the 1991 Gulf War, the US has established numerous military bases across Gulf Arab states, including in Bahrain, which hosts the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet.