UAE's Covert War Against Iran

A The Wall Street Journal report revealed that the United Arab Emirates played a far larger military role in the recent conflict with Iran than previously known, carrying out dozens of coordinated airstrikes alongside the United States and Israel. These strikes targeted strategic Iranian military and energy infrastructure, including sites on Iran — Qeshm Island, Iran — Abu Musa, Iran — Bandar Abbas, the Iran — Lavan Island refinery, and the Marvdasht Petrochemical Complex. The United States and Israel provided intelligence support, and a joint operation on the Marvdasht Petrochemical Complex triggered international backlash, prompting the United States to pressure Israel to halt attacks on Iranian energy assets. The United Arab Emirates' actions were partly in retaliation for Iranian attacks on its oil and gas infrastructure. The conflict exposed divisions among Gulf states, with Saudi Arabia complaining to the United States about the risk of wider regional escalation and declining to participate in coordinated military operations, frustrating Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Iran responded with extensive missile and drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates and blocked the Strait of Hormuz. The United States and Israel initiated the war by assassinating Ali Khamenei, leading to Iran's retaliatory actions. The United Arab Emirates' economy has been significantly affected, with substantial losses in market capitalization and numerous flight cancellations.