The United Arab Emirates (UAE) conducted covert military strikes against Iran during the recent Gulf conflict, emerging as a key but undisclosed participant alongside the US and Israel. A Wall Street Journal report highlights UAE’s unacknowledged attacks, including a major hit on Iran’s Lavan Island oil refinery in early April, crippling its operations for months.
UAE Iran Strikes: Lavan Island Refinery Attack and Retaliation
UAE forces targeted the Persian Gulf refinery, sparking a massive fire and disrupting processing capacity amid a fragile ceasefire announced by President Donald Trump. Iran blamed an “enemy” for the incident and retaliated with missile and drone assaults on UAE and Kuwait targets, including Fujairah oil facilities. This marked UAE as the sole Gulf nation to join direct strikes after others declined, welcomed by Washington despite post-ceasefire timing.
Middle East Crisis Implications: UAE’s Covert Role in Iran Conflict
The strikes underscore shifting Gulf alignments, with UAE deploying assets like Mirage jets and F-16s amid intercepted Iranian claims of Emirati incursions. As Iran denied pre-planned responses, the episode heightens tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting UAE curbs on Iranian nationals and UN support. This revelation amplifies concerns over covert escalations in the ongoing Middle East proxy wars.
