UAE secretly conducted military strikes on Iran during Gulf conflict

The United Arab Emirates secretly carried out military strikes against Iran, including attacks on the Lavan Island oil refinery, according to Reuters reporting citing the Wall Street Journal. The covert operations escalated as regional tensions intensified during the broader conflict. Washington reportedly welcomed the Emirati actions, according to separate reporting, suggesting tacit US coordination or approval. The strikes targeted critical Iranian energy infrastructure. The disclosure reveals a previously undisclosed dimension of Gulf military activity and raises questions about the scope and duration of direct UAE-Iran military engagement beyond publicly acknowledged incidents.