UAE’s Coordinated Airstrikes with US and Israel Against Iran
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), collaborating with the United States and Israel, reportedly conducted numerous airstrikes targeting Iran throughout their conflict, including key energy and military sites. This series of operations seemingly continued even after a ceasefire was established in April, as highlighted in a recent report.
Sources familiar with the situation suggest that the UAE’s involvement was more extensive than previously understood. Abu Dhabi is said to have initiated strikes early in the conflict, working closely with Washington and Jerusalem, which provided crucial intelligence support.
The UAE targeted several locations, such as Qeshm and Abu Musa islands in the Strait of Hormuz, Bandar Abbas island, the Laban Island refinery in the Persian Gulf, and the Asaliyah petrochemical complex.
One particular strike on an energy facility in Asaluyeh, executed jointly with Israel, provoked significant international criticism. The US allegedly pressured Israel to cease attacks on Iranian energy targets due to concerns about escalating regional tensions.
Interestingly, during that time, Israeli officials claimed full responsibility for the Asaluyeh strike. In response to inquiries, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “Israel acted unilaterally against the Assaluyeh gas field.”
Some Emirati operations were reportedly retaliation for Iranian assaults on oil and gas facilities within contested UAE territories.
A striking element of this ongoing situation involves Iran firing over 2,800 missiles and drones into the UAE—more than any other nation, including Israel. These attacks targeted various locations, including airports and energy infrastructures, as Iran sought to pressure this US-aligned Gulf state amid escalating tensions.
The scale of the UAE’s response has unveiled deeper divisions among Gulf nations. Saudi Arabia expressed private concerns to the US in early April, fearing the UAE’s military actions could lead to broader Iranian reprisals against the region’s energy resources and global oil markets.
Saudi officials urged the US to convince Abu Dhabi to cease its retaliatory strikes and to prioritize diplomatic solutions aimed at reducing tensions.
Further complicating relations, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reportedly felt frustrated with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for not engaging in a coordinated military action against Iran.
This development also underscores a rapid strengthening of military and intelligence connections between Israel and the UAE amidst the conflict, framed by the Abraham Accords established in 2020 under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Last month, it was reported that under direct coordination between Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and bin Zayed, Israel secretly deployed Iron Dome systems, interceptors, and IDF personnel to the UAE. This was a response to Iran’s barrage of missile and drone attacks on Emirati territories.
This marked the first operational deployment of the Iron Dome system outside of Israel and the US. Israeli forces operated within the UAE, aiding in the interception of Iranian missiles and drones aimed at Gulf states.
In addition to this, senior Israeli officials, including Netanyahu and various military leaders, visited the UAE during the conflict, indicating a strengthening partnership between the nations.
In response to these developments, the UAE Foreign Ministry stated that Iran bore “full responsibility” for the resulting attacks and their consequences.
