Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, May 30: The United Arab Emirates may have played a far larger role in the United States-Israel military campaign against Iran than previously known, according to a report published by The Wall Street Journal.
The report claimed that the UAE secretly carried out dozens of airstrikes against Iran beginning in the early stages of the conflict and continuing until after the ceasefire announced in April. The operations were allegedly conducted in coordination with the US and Israel, both of which provided intelligence support.
According to the report, Emirati strikes targeted strategic locations including Qeshm and Abu Musa islands in the Strait of Hormuz, Bandar Abbas, the Lavan Island oil refinery and the Asaluyeh petrochemical complex. Some of the attacks were reportedly aimed at Iranian energy infrastructure in retaliation for Tehran's strikes on UAE oil and gas facilities.
The report suggested that Iran launched more than 2,800 missiles and drones at the UAE during the conflict, making it the Gulf nation most heavily targeted by Tehran.
One of the most controversial attacks cited was the strike on the Asaluyeh petrochemical complex, which reportedly drew international criticism and prompted concerns about attacks on energy facilities in the region.
The report also highlighted differences within the Gulf region over how to respond to Iran. While the UAE reportedly favoured a tougher military approach, Saudi Arabia is said to have preferred diplomatic efforts and opposed direct military escalation. The differing positions reportedly created tensions between the two Gulf powers.
Saudi Arabia publicly condemned Iranian attacks but pursued a less confrontational strategy, while the UAE maintained a more aggressive posture, according to the report.
The report further pointed to growing security cooperation between the UAE and Israel during the conflict. Israeli air defence systems and personnel were reportedly deployed to help protect the UAE from Iranian missile and drone attacks, while senior Israeli officials are said to have held consultations with Emirati authorities during the war.
Neither the UAE government nor Saudi Arabia has officially confirmed the reported strikes. Earlier reports by Reuters, citing the Wall Street Journal, had also stated that the UAE allegedly conducted military strikes on Iranian targets, including a refinery on Lavan Island, though the claims could not be independently verified.
The revelations, if confirmed, would mark one of the most significant examples of direct Gulf military involvement in the conflict with Iran and underscore the evolving security dynamics in the Middle East.