A recent report has revealed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) discreetly executed military counter-strikes against a prominent Iranian oil refinery. This action unfolded just as President Trump had announced a cease-fire last month.
In response to continuous attacks from Iran, the UAE launched a series of retaliatory measures targeting the Islamic Republic. One of these strikes reportedly hit the Lavan Island oil refinery located in the Persian Gulf, according to sources cited by the Wall Street Journal.
The timing of this attack was significant, occurring on April 8 as the United States was in the process of cementing a cease-fire. The strike resulted in a massive fire at the facility, which is anticipated to severely disrupt its operations for several months, the report detailed.
Following the incident, Iran claimed that the refinery had been hit by enemy fire. Although they refrained from identifying the perpetrator, Iran retaliated with strikes against the UAE and Kuwait, continuing a pattern of aggression seen throughout the conflict.
While the UAE has not commented on the strikes, the country has repeatedly asserted its right to defend itself against Iran’s mass retaliation campaign in the Gulf.
During the daily airstrikes of the war, Abu Dhabi found itself suffering a disproportionate brunt of Iran’s wrath — with more than 2,800 missiles and drones fired at it, much more than any other country in the region, including Israel.
The UAE has been a prime target for the Islamic republic given its close ties with Israel and the US, with Abu Dhabi also housing alternative oil trade routes that helped undermine Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Experts have said the attack on the UAE served as a warning for Gulf nations to avoid allying with the US and Israel, lest they suffer the same results.
The animosity between Abu Dhabi and Tehran remains high, with the UAE leaving OPEC and having its ships actively try to bypass Iran’s blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Iran has repeatedly launched drone attacks on the UAE, with fellow Gulf nations Qatar and Kuwait also reporting attacks over the weekend.
The attacks have threatened to undo the fragile cease-fire between the US and Iran, but American officials say the truce remains in effect as Washington continues to pressure Tehran to accept its latest peace proposal.
