The United Arab Emirates has played a more significant role in the Middle East conflict than previously known, conducting strikes on Iran even after the April ceasefire, according to sources familiar with the matter. The attacks were coordinated with the United States and Israel, which provided intelligence support, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
Targets and Responses
Targets reportedly included Qeshm and Abu Musa islands in the Strait of Hormuz, Bandar Abbas, the oil refinery on Lavan Island in the Persian Gulf, and the Asaluyeh petrochemical complex. Some strikes focused on Iranian energy facilities in retaliation for Tehran's attacks on Emirati oil and gas infrastructure. A joint strike with Israel on Asaluyeh drew significant international criticism, prompting the US to ask Israel to halt attacks on energy facilities.
Shift in Gulf Position
Initially, Gulf countries stated that their airspace and military bases would not be used for attacks. However, after Iran launched missile and drone attacks against Gulf population centers, airports, and energy infrastructure, some nations altered their stance. The UAE was the primary target, facing over 2,800 missiles and drones from Iran—more than any other country, including Israel.
Divergence Between Saudi Arabia and UAE
The Emirati response exposed divisions within the Gulf region. In early April, Saudi Arabia reportedly complained to the US that the UAE's military actions increased the risk of Iranian retaliation against regional energy facilities, potentially affecting oil prices and global markets. Saudi officials wanted Washington to pressure the UAE to halt retaliatory strikes and support diplomatic initiatives. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "The UAE holds Iran fully responsible for these terrorist attacks and their repercussions." Saudi Arabia, which faced fewer attacks, publicly condemned the strikes but pursued a less confrontational approach, focusing on diplomacy.
Tensions between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh grew as the war continued. Gulf officials said UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed became frustrated with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after the latter declined to participate in coordinated military operations against Iran. This disagreement added to existing differences over influence in the Red Sea region and opposing sides in conflicts in Sudan and Yemen. In April, the UAE withdrew from OPEC and pledged to strengthen security ties with the US and Israel.
Political and Economic Measures
Alongside military actions, the UAE supported UN draft resolutions authorizing the use of force, if necessary, to end Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz. The country also targeted Iranian financial interests by closing schools and clubs in Dubai linked to Tehran and restricting visas and transit access for Iranian citizens, affecting long-standing economic links despite Western sanctions. Iran has repeatedly accused the UAE of participating in the US and Israeli campaign.
A History of Risk-Taking
The Emirates has a history of taking significant foreign policy risks and using military power to advance regional interests. It has supplied weapons to militias in Sudan and Libya and deployed mercenaries to Yemen to counter regional rivals. However, questions remain about whether the UAE can effectively deter a larger, geographically closer adversary like Iran. Its operations represented only a small fraction of the over 20,000 strikes carried out by the US and Israel during the conflict.
Tensions in the Middle East have continued beyond the three-month mark, with the US and Iran in a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict began on February 28 when the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran, leading Tehran to squeeze the crucial oil pipeline and drain global energy supplies.
