Image Credits: Image Title: Report Claims UAE Secretly Conducted Strikes Against Iran During US-Israeli Conflict. Source: (chatgpt.com) Date: May 2026. Attribution: This image was created using AI-generated imagery (chatgpt.com) by Open Chronicle and does not depict a real-world scene.
By Open Chronicle with agencies
The United Arab Emirates secretly carried out a series of military strikes against Iran during the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Tehran, according to a report published by The Wall Street Journal.
Citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter, the newspaper said one of the attacks targeted a refinery on Iran’s Lavan Island in early April, triggering a major fire and temporarily shutting down the facility.
The strike reportedly occurred shortly before Donald Trump was preparing to announce a ceasefire proposal involving Iran.
Refinery Strike Marked Escalation
According to the report, the Lavan Island refinery attack formed part of a broader covert campaign allegedly conducted by Abu Dhabi during the regional conflict.
The Journal reported that Iran later responded by launching ballistic missiles and drones targeting both the UAE and Kuwait.
One source cited by the newspaper claimed the United States quietly welcomed the UAE’s direct involvement in the conflict.
The report further stated that Iran has launched more than 2,800 missile and drone attacks against the Emirates since the conflict escalated, making the UAE one of Tehran’s most heavily targeted regional adversaries.
Economic Impact on the Emirates
According to Gulf officials quoted anonymously in the report, the attacks have caused significant economic disruption inside the UAE.
Officials said the sustained threat environment has contributed to layoffs, furloughs, and growing anxiety surrounding the country’s economic model, which heavily depends on international investment, tourism, and expatriate workers.
Sources described the situation as triggering a “fundamental shift” in the UAE’s strategic outlook toward Iran.
The report said Emirati officials increasingly view Tehran as a destabilizing regional actor that threatens the country’s reputation for security and economic stability.
UAE Avoids Direct Confirmation
The UAE’s Foreign Ministry reportedly declined to directly comment on the alleged strikes when approached by the newspaper.
However, officials pointed toward previous government statements emphasizing Abu Dhabi’s right to respond to hostile acts and protect national security interests.
The UAE has publicly condemned Iranian attacks targeting Gulf states in recent months while simultaneously supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing regional escalation.
Regional Tensions Deepen
The allegations highlight the increasingly complex and multi-layered nature of the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Analysts say the reported Emirati involvement could complicate mediation efforts by Gulf countries attempting to prevent wider regional instability.
“It’s significant to have a Gulf Arab country as a warring party that struck Iran directly,” Middle East analyst Dina Esfandiary told the newspaper.
She added that Tehran may now attempt to deepen divisions between the UAE and other Gulf Arab states seeking diplomatic solutions to the conflict.
Gulf Security Environment Continues to Deteriorate
The report emerges amid continuing instability across the Gulf region, particularly surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, where military incidents, naval blockades, and drone attacks have intensified fears of broader confrontation.
The UAE has significantly expanded its military and defense capabilities in recent years while strengthening strategic partnerships with both Washington and regional allies.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, analysts warn that covert operations and retaliatory strikes risk further destabilizing an already volatile Middle East security environment.