The United Arab Emirates could secretly launch military strikes on Iranian territory, in particular on oil infrastructure. The Wall Street Journal reported this on May 11, citing sources familiar with the situation.
According to interlocutors, one of the attacks in April hit an oil refinery on the Iranian island of Lawan in the Persian Gulf. As a result of the attack, a fire broke out and part of the enterprise's production capacity was disabled for several months.
The Saudi monarchy has not officially confirmed its participation in such operations. At the same time, the material indicates that the UAE armed forces have modern Western-made fighters and reconnaissance systems that allow them to carry out high-precision strikes.
Iran admitted that its facilities were under attack and responded by launching strikes in the UAE and Kuwait.
In the United States, according to interlocutors, there was no objection to such actions by the UAE, since the ceasefire had not yet been completely stabilized, and Washington allegedly unofficially welcomed the participation of regional allies in containing Iran.
Experts cited by journalists believe that the UAE’s participation in hostilities could significantly change the balance of power in the region and exacerbate tensions between Iran and the Gulf countries.
Iran, meanwhile, accuses the UAE of joining the US-Israel coalition and continues to attack regional energy and infrastructure facilities.
The material also notes that after the reduction in the effectiveness of Iranian air defenses, the risks for airstrikes in the region have significantly decreased, which could make it easier to carry out such operations.
