The United Arab Emirates carried out extensive military strikes against Iranian energy and military targets during the regional conflict, according to a report that describes a broader Emirati role than previously disclosed.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The United Arab Emirates secretly carried out dozens of airstrikes against Iran during the conflict with Tehran while coordinating with the United States and Israel, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing people familiar with the matter.
The report said Abu Dhabi’s role began in the early stages of the fighting and included attacks on Iranian energy and military sites, with U.S. and Israeli officials reportedly providing intelligence support for Emirati operations. Some strikes reportedly continued after the ceasefire was announced in April.
Targets attributed to the UAE included Qeshm and Abu Musa islands in the Strait of Hormuz, Bandar Abbas, the Lavan Island oil refinery in the Persian Gulf and the Asaluyeh petrochemical complex, according to the report.
The strike on Asaluyeh, a major Iranian energy hub, was conducted jointly with Israel, the report said. The attack drew international criticism at the time and led the United States to press Israel to stop additional strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure because of concerns that the conflict could expand further across the region. The reported strikes were also referenced in an embedded post tied to Clash Report.
Israeli officials publicly claimed sole responsibility for the Asaluyeh attack when it occurred. Asked about the strike, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters that “Israel acted alone against the Asaluyeh gas compound.”
The report said some of the Emirati strikes were carried out in response to Iranian attacks on UAE oil and gas infrastructure. Iran reportedly launched more than 2,800 missiles and drones at the UAE during the conflict, more than it fired at any other country, including Israel. The attacks targeted airports, energy sites, ports and civilian areas as Tehran sought to pressure U.S.-aligned Gulf states during the escalation.
The Emirati response also revealed tensions among Gulf governments, according to the report. Saudi Arabia privately warned Washington in early April that UAE military operations could provoke wider Iranian retaliation against regional energy infrastructure and global oil markets.
Saudi officials reportedly urged the United States to pressure Abu Dhabi to stop retaliatory strikes and instead back diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation.
The report said UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan grew frustrated with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after Riyadh declined to join coordinated military action against Iran.
The disclosures point to a major expansion of Israeli-Emirati military and intelligence cooperation during the conflict, building on the Abraham Accords brokered by President Donald Trump in 2020.
Israel quietly sent Iron Dome batteries, interceptors and dozens of Israel Defense Forces personnel to the UAE after direct coordination between Netanyahu and bin Zayed, according to the report. The deployment came as Iran fired missiles and drones at Emirati civilian areas, airports, ports and energy facilities. The broader wartime coordination was also highlighted in an embedded post tied to Anadolu Agency.
The deployment marked the first operational use of Iron Dome outside Israel and the United States, with Israeli troops operating in the UAE and helping intercept Iranian missiles and drones aimed at the Gulf state.
The report also said senior Israeli officials traveled to the UAE during the conflict as coordination intensified. Those officials included Netanyahu, Mossad Director David Barnea, Shin Bet chief David Zini and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.
Responding to the report, the UAE Foreign Ministry said Iran bore “full responsibility” for the attacks and their consequences.
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