The United Arab Emirates has reportedly conducted covert military strikes against Iran during the ongoing conflict initiated by the United States and Israel earlier this year, according to a recent report. This would mark the first instance of a Gulf nation directly participating in the hostilities. The Gulf monarchy had been Tehran's primary target since Iran began its retaliatory operations across the region, focusing on US-allied states.
Secret Operations and Economic Motivations
The UAE has not publicly acknowledged these strikes, which included an attack on a refinery at Iran's Lavan Island in the Persian Gulf in early April. This occurred around the time former President Donald Trump announced a temporary ceasefire, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. The apparent attacks suggest that the UAE is willing to use military force to safeguard its economic interests, particularly after Tehran attempted to damage its oil and gas facilities.
Iranian Response and Regional Reactions
Iran confirmed that the Lavan Island refinery was struck in an enemy attack and subsequently launched several missile and drone strikes against Kuwait and the UAE in retaliation. A source told the WSJ that the US welcomed the participation of the UAE and any other Gulf states in the war. The Independent contacted Abu Dhabi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Pentagon, both of which declined to comment to the US outlet.
Reluctance Among Arab States
Arab states had largely been hesitant to engage in the war with Iran and were believed to be displeased with Washington's decision to launch the conflict on 28 February, as they became collateral damage. In the weeks leading up to the US-Israeli attacks, Gulf states urged Washington to avoid war, aware of the potential chaos it could unleash on oil markets and the regional economy. Analysts also noted fears about the impact of regime change in Tehran and the possibility of more radical elements taking power.
Divergent UAE Stance
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Turkey, and Egypt were reportedly involved in lobbying the US to pull back its threats in February and halt its military buildup in the region, keen to avoid becoming part of a frontline in a conflict they did not choose. According to Al Jazeera, however, the UAE was less outspoken in the week leading up to the attacks and has diverged from other Gulf Cooperation Council countries by deepening ties with Israel and adopting different positions on Sudan and Yemen.
Military Engagement Decision
After the war was launched, the UAE appears to have decided that military engagement was necessary. “It’s significant to have a Gulf Arab country as a warring party that struck Iran directly,” said Dina Esfandiary, Middle East analyst and author of a book on the rise of the UAE. He added: “Tehran will now aim to further drive a wedge between the U.A.E. and other Gulf Arabs who are trying to mediate an end to the war.”
