UAE's Secret Counterattack Targets Iran
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has secretly retaliated against attacks from Iran. The UAE’s strikes are reported to have targeted an oil refinery in Iran.
Since early May 2026, the UAE Ministry of Defence has reported that its air defence systems intercepted 15 missiles and four drones launched from Iranian territory. It is stated that at least 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and four drones launched from Iran towards its territory were intercepted throughout Monday (4 May). Three people were injured as a result of the attack.
In the aftermath of the attack, the UAE affirmed that it has the “full and legitimate right” to respond to Iran’s latest assault.
Three days later, another airstrike was detected launched from Iranian territory. At least three people sustained injuries from the attack.
However, the UAE Ministry of Defence did not provide further details on the location of the attack or more information about the injured victims.
UAE authorities issued a warning on Friday morning (8 May) at 06:43 local time, announcing that the country was responding to a threat.
UAE residents were urged to remain in safe places and await the latest information from official government channels.
UAE’s Secret Strikes on Iran
The UAE is reported to have secretly launched a series of retaliatory attacks against Iran. Citing Anadolu Agency on Tuesday (12 May 2026), leading US media outlet the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) revealed this, quoting several anonymous sources familiar with the strikes.
One of the UAE’s strike targets, according to sources cited by WSJ in its latest report on Monday (11 May) local time, was an oil refinery on Iran’s Lavan Island.
The WSJ report stated that the Iranian oil refinery was hit by a UAE attack in early April or around the time US President Donald Trump was set to announce a ceasefire with Tehran. The strike reportedly triggered a major fire and crippled the facility.
Iran then retaliated by launching ballistic missile and drone attacks on UAE and Kuwaiti territories.
US Welcomes UAE’s Involvement in War Against Iran
One source cited by WSJ also said the US is secretly welcoming the UAE’s entry into the war against Iran. According to the WSJ report, Iran has targeted the UAE with more attacks than other Gulf states hosting US military assets, even surpassing retaliatory strikes against Israel.
Tehran has launched over 2,800 missile and drone attacks on targets in the UAE since the war erupted in late February.
According to several unnamed Abu Dhabi officials, these Iranian attacks have caused significant damage to the UAE’s economy, triggering layoffs and forced leave.
“They have also prompted a fundamental shift in the country’s strategic outlook, now viewing Iran as a malevolent actor determined to destroy the UAE’s talent-based expatriate economy and its reputation for security and stability,” the UAE official stated.
So far, there has been no official comment from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the WSJ report. Abu Dhabi authorities have only emphasised previous statements underscoring the UAE’s right to respond to hostile actions.
“It is very significant to see a Gulf country become a belligerent party launching direct attacks on Iran. Tehran will now seek to further widen the divide between the UAE and other Arab Gulf states trying to mediate an end to the war,” Middle East analyst Dina Esfandiary told WSJ.