ISLAMABAD: A report by The Wall Street Journal has claimed that the United Arab Emirates took part in covert operations inside Iran during the ongoing regional conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
According to the report, UAE forces are said to have carried out multiple strikes inside Iran, reportedly targeting key energy infrastructure. One of the alleged attacks included a strike on an oil refinery on Iran’s Lavan Island, which caused a major fire and forced a temporary shutdown of the facility.
The report further claims that these operations took place in early April, around the time former U.S. President Donald Trump was preparing to announce a ceasefire initiative in the region.
Citing unnamed sources, the report says that the United States privately welcomed the UAE’s involvement in the conflict. However, no official confirmation has been issued by Washington regarding these claims.
It also claims that Iran responded to these attacks by launching ballistic missiles and drone strikes targeting UAE and Kuwait. According to the report, the UAE faced a significantly higher number of attacks compared to Israel, with claims suggesting thousands of strikes, although these figures have not been independently verified.
The alleged escalation reportedly had economic consequences for the UAE, including disruptions in key sectors, layoffs, and adjustments in national security policies.
The UAE’s Foreign Ministry did not directly confirm or deny the allegations but reiterated its earlier stance that the country reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and respond to threats.
