The United Arab Emirates secretly carried out dozens of military strikes against targets in Iran during the early phase of the war [1].
This revelation suggests a deeper level of coordination between the UAE, the U.S., and Israel than previously acknowledged. It indicates that the UAE was willing to risk direct kinetic engagement to counter Iranian influence in the region [1, 2].
According to reports, the covert operations began at the start of the conflict and continued for several weeks [1]. The strikes targeted various locations inside Iran, including a specific attack on an Iranian oil refinery [1, 2].
The UAE conducted these operations to support the campaign led by the U.S. and Israel [1, 2]. The strategic goal was to degrade Iranian capabilities and diminish its regional influence [1, 2].
While these reports highlight UAE offensive actions, other reports have noted that Iran launched its own missile and drone attacks against the United Arab Emirates [3]. The scale of the UAE's involvement remained hidden from the public during the active phase of the strikes [1].
In total, the UAE launched dozens of strikes [1]. These operations were part of a broader strategy to destabilize Iranian infrastructure and military positioning during the opening weeks of the war [1].
“The UAE secretly launched dozens of strikes on Iran, including an attack on an oil refinery.”
The UAE's secret participation in strikes against Iran marks a significant shift in the Gulf state's security posture, moving from a strategy of cautious diplomacy to active military alignment with the U.S. and Israel. By targeting critical infrastructure like oil refineries, the UAE demonstrated a willingness to engage in high-stakes escalation to reshape the regional balance of power.
