UAE's Extensive Military Role in Campaign Against Iran Exposed

A significant investigation by the Wall Street Journal has brought to light the extent of the United Arab Emirates' military engagement in operations targeting Iran, demonstrating a level of involvement substantially greater than what had been publicly disclosed.

Reporting by journalists Samar Said and Anat Bild, the investigation details how the UAE executed numerous air strikes working alongside Washington and Tel Aviv. These operations commenced in the opening phases of the conflict and persisted through the day following the ceasefire announcement, with strikes focused on critical Iranian installations positioned throughout the Gulf region and near the Strait of Hormuz.

According to sources cited in the report, the military actions were conducted jointly with the United States and Israel, both of which supplied intelligence to support the UAE campaign. The targeted sites encompassed the Qeshm and Abu Musa islands, Bandar Abbas port, the Lavan Island oil refinery, and the Asalwiyeh petrochemical complex.

The investigation indicates that certain strikes were directed at Iranian energy infrastructure in retaliation for Tehran's attacks on Emirati oil and gas installations. The operation against the Asalwiyeh complex, executed in partnership with Israel, generated considerable international backlash and prompted Washington to urge Israel to cease targeting Iranian energy facilities.

Prior to hostilities erupted, Gulf nations had publicly committed to denying their airspace and military installations for use in strikes against Iran. However, this position shifted following the outbreak of conflict and intensified Iranian assaults on Gulf population centers, airports, and key facilities.

Iran directed its heaviest bombardment toward the UAE, deploying more than 2,800 missiles and drones against the emirate—a volume exceeding what it launched at any other nation, including Israel.

This escalation has generated friction within the Gulf alliance. Saudi Arabia conveyed concerns to the United States in early April, warning that Emirati retaliatory strikes elevated the risk of regional energy infrastructure becoming vulnerable to Iranian counterattacks, potentially destabilizing global oil markets. Riyadh subsequently pressed Washington to encourage Abu Dhabi to halt its operations and redirect focus toward diplomatic channels for de-escalation.

The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted that Iran bears complete responsibility for attacks on the Emirates and their consequences. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office, Saudi authorities, and the White House all declined to comment on the findings.

The investigation reveals tensions between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, noting that Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed frustration with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the Kingdom's unwillingness to engage in coordinated military action against Tehran, exacerbating divisions between the two Gulf powers.

The UAE has pursued additional measures reflecting hardened positions toward Iran, including backing United Nations resolutions that would authorize military force to counter Iranian influence over the Strait of Hormuz. Economic actions have included shuttering educational institutions and cultural clubs affiliated with Tehran in Dubai, alongside new restrictions on visa issuance and transit privileges for Iranian nationals—measures that have diminished one of Iran's most valuable economic channels during periods of Western sanctions.

Iran has repeatedly attributed the UAE's actions to participation in the American-Israeli military campaign.

Despite this involvement, the report notes that the scale of Emirati operations remained modest relative to the American and Israeli air campaign, which exceeded 20,000 strikes. The Emirati contribution was characterized as primarily symbolic in military terms.

The report cautions that this participation may position the UAE as an increasingly significant target for Iranian retaliation going forward, particularly following the Iranian attack on the Fujairah oil port last May and the interception of a drone launched from Iraq near the UAE's nuclear facility.

Recent weeks have witnessed Abu Dhabi shifting toward diplomatic approaches, reflecting heightened concerns about threats to its critical infrastructure. The Emirati president was among regional leaders who encouraged US President Donald Trump to pursue a peace settlement with Iran during an early May conversation.

The investigation concludes that the conflict has strengthened the UAE-Israel alliance, with Israeli officials expressing satisfaction with the Emirati performance. The relationship has evolved into what officials view as a durable strategic partnership. Israel deployed Iron Dome defense systems and military personnel to assist in protecting the UAE, with Israeli troops remaining stationed at a Gulf facility. Senior Israeli officials, including Benjamin Netanyahu, the Mossad chief, the Shin Bet director, and the military chief of staff, conducted confidential visits to the UAE for coordinating Iran strategy.

These revelations underscore the profound shifts reshaping regional dynamics, where military partnerships now operate beyond the realm of official declarations, managed through covert coordination that traditional political positions alone fail to capture.