The Wall Street Journal has reported that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) played a covert military role in the recent war against Iran, coordinating with the United States and Israel to carry out dozens of strikes inside Iranian territory. The report, published on Friday, cited individuals familiar with the matter who said the UAE began attacks near the start of the conflict and continued operations until the day after a ceasefire was declared. The strikes reportedly targeted sites including Qeshm and Abu Musa islands, Bandar Abbas, Lavan Island’s oil refinery, and the Asaluyeh petrochemical complex.

According to the report, some UAE strikes were retaliatory responses to Iranian attacks on Emirati oil and gas infrastructure, which faced more than 2,800 missile and drone strikes during the conflict. The Journal said Abu Dhabi’s involvement was deeper than previously understood, contrasting with Saudi Arabia’s more cautious diplomatic stance. Riyadh reportedly complained to Washington that UAE attacks were heightening risks to regional energy facilities and urged diplomatic restraint.

The UAE Foreign Ministry responded that Iran bore full responsibility for the conflict and its consequences, while earlier incidents had already drawn international attention to Emirati strikes inside Iran.