UAE Secretly Conducted Strikes on Iran During U.S.-Led Conflict, WSJ Reports

DUBAI — The United Arab Emirates carried out covert military strikes against Iranian targets during the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, including a direct hit on an oil refinery on Iran’s Lavan Island in the Persian Gulf, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Monday.

Citing people familiar with the matter, the Journal said the strikes mark the first time a Gulf Arab state has taken direct combat action against Iran in the war that began in late February 2026. The UAE has not publicly acknowledged any operations inside Iran.

The Lavan Island attack occurred in early April, shortly before a fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect. Iran described the refinery strike as an “enemy attack” at the time and responded with missile and drone barrages targeting the UAE and Kuwait.

Iran has launched more than 2,800 missiles and drones at the UAE since the conflict started, hitting airports, energy infrastructure, and population centers. Those attacks disrupted air travel, tourism, and the property market and contributed to layoffs in the Gulf state.

The UAE has expanded military cooperation with the United States during the fighting and adopted a more confrontational stance toward Tehran after absorbing repeated Iranian strikes. Abu Dhabi operates advanced F-16 and Mirage fighter jets, surveillance drones, and refueling aircraft, capabilities that analysts say enabled precision operations against weakened Iranian air defenses.

U.S. officials have welcomed the UAE’s role, while other Gulf states have largely stayed on the sidelines or focused on mediation efforts. Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Dave Deptula noted the Emirates’ strong capabilities in precision strike, air defense, surveillance, refueling, and logistics, asking why a nation with such assets would simply absorb attacks without responding.

The UAE Foreign Ministry declined to comment directly on the reported strikes but referenced prior statements affirming its right to respond militarily to hostile acts.

The revelations come as indirect talks continue to stabilize the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has sought to portray the UAE’s actions as evidence of broader Gulf alignment against it, while the Trump administration has maintained close coordination with Abu Dhabi on regional security.

No additional details on other potential UAE strikes were disclosed in the report. The development underscores the deepening involvement of Gulf partners in countering Iranian aggression amid the broader conflict.