UAE joined US-Israeli war against Iran from the outset: Report

UAE joined US-Israeli war against Iran from the outset: Report MEE staff on Fri, 05/29/2026 - 21:50 WSJ report reveals UAE carried out strikes on Iran alongside the US and Israel from the start of the war, operating as a third member of the coalition Foreign workers look at a tall plume of black smoke rising after an explosion in the Fujairah industrial zone in the UAE on 3 March 2026 (Fadel Senna/AFP) Off The United Arab Emirates carried out dozens of air strikes against Iran during the Israeli-US war, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal, revealing a far deeper and earlier role in the conflict than previously acknowledged. Citing people familiar with the matter, the newspaper said the UAE launched attacks from the opening days of the conflict and continued operations even after a ceasefire was announced in April. The report suggests Abu Dhabi effectively operated alongside the United States and Israel as a third participant in the military campaign. The strikes were reportedly coordinated with Washington and Israel, which provided intelligence support. Targets included locations on Qeshm and Abu Musa islands in the Strait of Hormuz, Bandar Abbas, the Lavan Island oil refinery and the Asaluyeh petrochemical complex. Several of the attacks hit Iranian energy infrastructure. One strike on the Asaluyeh complex, reportedly carried out in coordination with Israel, triggered international outcry and prompted Washington to urge Israel to halt attacks on energy facilities. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Before the conflict, Gulf states publicly insisted they would not allow their territory or airspace to be used for military action against Iran. The report, however, suggests that Abu Dhabi abandoned that position at the outset of the war. Iran responded by targeting Gulf cities, airports and energy infrastructure with missiles and drones in an attempt to raise the cost of the campaign. The UAE absorbed the bulk of those attacks, with more than 2,800 missiles and drones directed at the country. Iranian opposition news site got $800m in debt relief: Report Read More » The UAE's involvement also appears to have deepened divisions among Gulf states. According to the report, Saudi Arabia privately complained to the US in early April that Emirati attacks risked drawing Iranian retaliation against regional energy facilities, potentially disrupting oil markets and threatening the global economy. Saudi officials reportedly pushed Washington to pressure Abu Dhabi to halt military operations and support diplomatic efforts instead. The conflict also exposed tensions between Gulf leaders. Gulf officials cited by the newspaper said UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed became frustrated with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after Riyadh declined to join coordinated military action against Iran. The scale of retaliation has shaken the UAE’s economy, disrupting air traffic, hitting tourism revenues, and rattling its property market. Companies have announced furloughs and layoffs as the fallout spreads across key sectors. More than $120bn has been wiped from market capitalisation on the Dubai and Abu Dhabi stock exchanges up to the end of April, while over 18,400 flights have been cancelled. War on Iran News Post Date Override 0 Update Date Mon, 05/04/2020 - 21:19 Update Date Override 0