The Wall Street Journal has revealed that the United Arab Emirates carried out dozens of airstrikes inside Iran during the recent war, in coordination with the United States and Israel, in what the newspaper described as a far deeper military role than previously disclosed.
According to sources cited by the newspaper, Emirati air operations began in the opening days of the conflict and continued until the day after a ceasefire was declared in April. The strikes targeted multiple locations across Iran, including Qeshm Island, Abu Musa Island in the Strait of Hormuz, Bandar Abbas, the Lavan oil refinery, and the Assaluyeh petrochemical complex.
Coordinated Strikes With US and Israeli Support
Sources said the attacks were conducted in coordination with Washington and Tel Aviv, which provided intelligence support. Some of the strikes reportedly targeted energy facilities in response to Iranian attacks on oil and gas infrastructure inside the UAE.
The report noted that the strike on the Assaluyeh petrochemical complex, carried out in cooperation with Israel, triggered widespread international criticism. The backlash reportedly prompted the United States to pressure Israel to halt attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure.
UAE Faced Extensive Iranian Retaliation
According to the report, the UAE was one of the Gulf states most heavily targeted by Iran during the war.
Tehran reportedly launched more than 2,800 missiles and drones against the UAE, a figure that exceeded the number directed at any other country, including Israel.
The scale of the Emirati response also generated tensions within the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia reportedly expressed reservations about the UAE’s retaliatory operations and communicated concerns to Washington that continued attacks could expand Iranian targeting of regional energy facilities and drive up global oil prices.
Tensions Between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh
The report also highlighted differences between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh throughout the conflict.
According to the newspaper, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was frustrated by the refusal of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to participate in coordinated military operations against Iran.
In addition to military actions, the UAE reportedly implemented economic measures targeting Iran during the war. These included shutting down Iran-linked institutions in Dubai and tightening visa and transit restrictions on Iranian citizens.
The newspaper said these measures weakened one of Iran’s most important economic gateways, which had helped Tehran mitigate the impact of years of sanctions.
Iranian Accusations and Escalating Attacks
Iran repeatedly accused Abu Dhabi of participating in the American-Israeli military campaign against it and responded by targeting sites inside the UAE.
Among the reported targets were oil facilities in Fujairah. The report also stated that a drone launched from Iraq crashed near the UAE’s nuclear power station.
Growing Security Ties Between the UAE and Israel
The report said the conflict significantly deepened security and military cooperation between the UAE and Israel.
According to the newspaper, Israel deployed batteries from its Iron Dome air defence system and sent military personnel to help protect the UAE. Dozens of Israeli soldiers are reportedly still stationed at a military facility inside the Gulf state.
The report further claimed that several senior Israeli officials made secret visits to the UAE during the war to coordinate policy regarding Iran.
These reportedly included Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the head of the Mossad, the head of the Shin Bet, and Israel’s military chief of staff.
Shift Towards Diplomacy
Despite its military involvement, the newspaper said Abu Dhabi has adopted a more diplomatic posture in recent weeks.
The UAE has reportedly sought to encourage efforts aimed at reaching a peace agreement with Iran, driven by concerns over continued threats to critical infrastructure and the country’s energy sector.
