The United Arab Emirates reportedly conducted a covert military counter-strike against a vital Iranian oil refinery just as a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was taking effect last month.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the retaliatory operation targeted the Lavan Island refinery in the Persian Gulf, sparking a massive blaze that is expected to cripple the facility’s production for several months.
While the attack occurred around April 8 as the truce was being finalized, the details have only recently surfaced, highlighting the volatile nature of the regional conflict.
Iran acknowledged at the time that the refinery had been hit by “enemy fire” and responded with its own strikes against the UAE and Kuwait, a pattern seen throughout the height of the war. Although Abu Dhabi has not officially commented on the specific incident, the nation has consistently asserted its right to defend itself.
During the conflict, the UAE suffered a disproportionate amount of Iranian aggression, with over 2,800 missiles and drones launched at its territory, more than any other country in the region.
The animosity between the two nations remains high, driven by the UAE’s close ties with the U.S. and Israel, as well as its efforts to bypass Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Experts suggest that the frequent targeting of the UAE served as a warning to Gulf nations against aligning with Western interests. Despite recent drone attacks reported by Qatar and Kuwait over the weekend, American officials maintain that the fragile ceasefire remains in effect while Washington continues to pressure Tehran to accept its latest peace proposal.