A new report has revealed that the United Arab Emirates allegedly took part in military operations against Iran during the recent conflict involving the United States and Israel, carrying out dozens of airstrikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.
According to a report by the The Wall Street Journal, the UAE used intelligence shared by the United States and Israel to launch attacks after Iranian missiles and drones targeted Emirati oil and gas facilities during the conflict.
The report claims Iran launched more than 2,800 missiles and drones toward UAE-linked targets during the fighting, prompting Abu Dhabi to join retaliatory operations alongside its allies.
Among the locations reportedly targeted by UAE aircraft were energy facilities on Qeshm Island, Abu Musa Island, the port city of Bandar Abbas, and oil-related infrastructure on Lavan Island in the Persian Gulf.
One of the most significant operations reportedly involved a strike on the Asaluyeh petrochemical and gas complex, a key component of Iran’s energy sector. The attack drew international criticism and reportedly led U.S. President Donald Trump to urge restraint regarding strikes on energy facilities.
At the time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had carried out the operation independently. However, the report now suggests there may have been broader regional coordination behind some of the attacks.
The conflict is also said to have strengthened security cooperation between Israel and the UAE. According to the report, Israel deployed additional defensive assets and military personnel to the UAE during the fighting.
Several senior Israeli officials reportedly visited the UAE during the conflict, including David Barnea, senior security officials from Israel’s intelligence services, and top military commanders. Reports also mention an undisclosed visit by Netanyahu, although the UAE government has rejected claims of secret diplomatic meetings, noting that the two countries already maintain formal relations.
The report further highlights growing tensions within the Gulf region. Earlier this month, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan reportedly expressed frustration with some neighboring Gulf states, arguing they did not provide sufficient support during the conflict with Iran.
If confirmed, the revelations would offer one of the clearest indications yet of direct UAE military involvement in operations against Iran and underscore the increasingly close security partnership between Abu Dhabi and Israel.
