Reports suggest UAE military strikes against Iranian targets

According to reports by the Wall Street Journal, the United Arab Emirates conducted military operations against Iran in early April 2026. The strikes allegedly targeted oil infrastructure on the Iranian island of Lavan, causing a major fire and disrupting production for several months. While the UAE has not publicly acknowledged these actions, sources indicate the country utilized its Western-made aircraft and surveillance technology. In response to the attack, Tehran launched missile and drone strikes targeting the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. These Iranian retaliatory actions occurred around the time of an announced ceasefire by the United States following a five-week air campaign. Official UAE data indicates that between the start of the conflict and May 8, the country was targeted by 551 ballistic missiles, 29 cruise missiles, and 2,263 drones, resulting in 10 civilian deaths. Other sources noted that Iranian retaliation also targeted American bases and local infrastructure. The French news agency Agence France-Presse stated it could not independently verify the UAE's specific involvement in the April strikes.