The unexplained attacks have added a dangerous new layer of uncertainty to an already volatile conflict, raising concerns that additional countries may now be conducting military operations against Iran without publicly acknowledging their involvement.

New Airstrikes Came After U.S. Said Its Campaign Had Ended

The U.S. military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Thursday morning that it had completed a coordinated operation striking approximately 90 targets inside Iran.

Yet only hours later, Iranian state media reported another wave of explosions and airstrikes across the southern provinces of Bushehr and Sistan and Baluchestan.

Those attacks occurred after the United States had publicly stated its operation was complete.

CENTCOM has not commented on whether it had any involvement in the later strikes, and no other nation has stepped forward to claim responsibility.

The silence has intensified speculation that another regional military power may have launched the attacks independently.

Iran Avoids Directly Naming a Suspect

Despite the new strikes, Iran has stopped short of publicly accusing any country.

Instead, senior Iranian officials have issued indirect warnings.

Esmail Kousari, a member of Iran’s parliamentary National Security Committee and a former commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), accused the United Arab Emirates of playing what he described as a “behind-the-scenes” role in supporting recent U.S. military operations.

He warned that the UAE would “pay the price” for its alleged cooperation.

Neither the UAE nor other Gulf states immediately responded to the accusations.

Gulf Nations Face Growing Pressure

The accusations come after months of escalating regional tensions.

During the conflict, Iran launched attacks against energy infrastructure belonging to several Gulf nations, prompting reports that both Saudi Arabia and the UAE carried out retaliatory strikes against Iranian positions.

If those reports are accurate, the latest unexplained attacks could signal that regional powers remain actively engaged in military operations even after Washington announced the conclusion of its own campaign.

That possibility increases the risk that the conflict could continue spreading without formal declarations or public acknowledgment from the countries involved.

Israel Also Has Not Claimed Responsibility

Israel participated in earlier military operations against Iran during the conflict but has not claimed responsibility for the latest strikes.

The absence of official statements from either Israel or Gulf Arab governments has left analysts with more questions than answers.

Military experts note that governments sometimes choose not to publicly acknowledge certain operations for strategic or diplomatic reasons.

Whether that is the case here remains unclear.

The Bigger Picture

The latest strikes highlight that the military campaign involving Iran may be entering a more unpredictable phase.

Even after the United States declared its latest operation complete, unexplained attacks continued inside Iranian territory, suggesting multiple actors may still be pursuing their own military objectives.

Until responsibility is established—or additional governments publicly clarify their roles—the mystery surrounding these strikes is likely to keep geopolitical tensions elevated and financial markets on alert.