Fresh allegations have intensified tensions across the Middle East after reports claimed the United Arab Emirates secretly conducted a series of covert strikes against Iran during the ongoing regional conflict involving the United States and Israel.
According to a report published by The Wall Street Journal, anonymous sources revealed that one of the major targets was an oil refinery located on Iran’s Lavan Island. The facility was reportedly struck in early April, causing a massive blaze and forcing operations offline at a critical moment just before former U.S. President Donald Trump was expected to announce a ceasefire initiative involving Iran.
The report stated that Iran responded aggressively by launching ballistic missiles and drones toward the UAE and Kuwait. Sources familiar with the matter claimed Washington quietly approved of Abu Dhabi’s involvement in the conflict, viewing the Emirati actions as support against Tehran.
Officials cited in the report alleged that Iran has carried out more than 2,800 drone and missile attacks against the UAE since the conflict escalated, making the Gulf nation one of Tehran’s primary regional targets. The attacks reportedly caused significant economic disruption, including layoffs, furloughs, and growing uncertainty among foreign investors and expatriate communities.
Unnamed Gulf officials told the newspaper that the Emirati leadership now increasingly views Iran as a destabilizing force threatening the country’s economic model, security image, and reputation as a global business hub.
While the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to directly comment on the allegations, officials referred reporters to an earlier statement defending Abu Dhabi’s right to respond to hostile acts targeting national security.
Middle East analyst Dina Esfandiary described the alleged strikes as a major geopolitical development, warning that Tehran could attempt to deepen divisions among Gulf nations currently pushing for diplomatic efforts to end the war.
The report has added another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile regional conflict, with fears growing that further escalation could destabilize the Gulf and disrupt global energy markets.
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