The United Arab Emirates carried out a series of covert strikes against Iran during the latest phase of joint US–Israeli aggression, according to a media report.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter, that one such strike hit a refinery on Lavan Island in early April. The incident reportedly sparked a major fire and forced the facility out of operation, coinciding with the period when US President Donald Trump was preparing to announce a ceasefire with Iran.
However, Iranian officials did not view the attacks as truly covert. Throughout the conflict, they repeatedly accused the UAE of playing a direct role by hosting American and Israeli military forces, sharing intelligence on Iranian targets and individuals, and allowing its airbases to be used for strikes against Iran.
‼️🇦🇪🇮🇷 The UAE has reportedly carried out strikes inside Iran, including an attack on a refinery on Lavan Island, according to The Wall Street Journal. pic.twitter.com/yCS4H7mOay
— Defense Intelligence (@DI313_) May 12, 2026
One source cited in the report said Washington quietly welcomed the UAE’s involvement in this capacity.
The US and the Israeli entity carried out their attacks on Iran between February 28 and April 7, relying heavily on military bases, personnel, and equipment stationed in Persian Gulf countries—including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia—as well as Jordan.
In response, Iran launched at least 100 waves of retaliatory operations targeting key US and Israeli positions across those countries and within the occupied territories.
Footage shared by Iranian media today shows fire and a plume of black smoke at the Lavan oil refinery located in the Persian Gulf, after what a major Iranian national oil company described as an "attack by the enemy".
— Shayan Sardarizadeh (@Shayan86) April 8, 2026
Location: 26.802586, 53.349308@GeoConfirmed https://t.co/xlqHHsSqtD pic.twitter.com/6PcRpJDKiw
Tehran has repeatedly warned states aiding the attackers against continuing to allow their soil to be used as a launchpad for the unlawful aggression.
Persian Gulf officials quoted by The Journal, however, said the retaliation has “prompted a fundamental shift in the country (the UAE)’s strategic outlook” to one that is much more hostile to Iran.
The report came amid Emirati officials’ repeated accusations against Iran of “deliberate” and “unwarranted” targeting of their country.
The Islamic Republic has categorically rejected the claims, underlining that its retaliatory measures were solely aimed at hostile targets inside the Emirates.
Source: Agencies