UAE: We Made It Clear That Any Threat To Gulf Waters Or Our Infrastructure Would Be Met With Force

According to a report by Anadolu Agency on Saturday may 30, 2026, the United Arab Emirates conducted a series of previously undisclosed airstrikes against Iranian military targets during the early stages of Iran’s conflict with the United States and Israel, continuing operations until a day after a ceasefire was announced in April.

The report, published by The Wall Street Journal and based on information from regional defense officials familiar with the matter, stated that the strikes focused on weapons storage facilities, drone command centers, and positions linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) along the country’s southern coastline. Officials said the campaign began less than 48 hours after hostilities erupted and was reportedly carried out in coordination with Western intelligence efforts.

The revelations suggest a significant shift in the UAE’s regional posture. Although Abu Dhabi has maintained diplomatic relations with Tehran in recent years and remains a key US security partner, the reported operations indicate that it aligned itself more directly with forces opposing Iran during the conflict.

One Emirati official quoted in the report said the UAE had made it clear that any threat to Gulf shipping lanes or critical national infrastructure would be met with a firm military response, regardless of ongoing diplomatic initiatives or ceasefire arrangements.

According to the report, the strikes continued even after a ceasefire had been declared, highlighting what officials described as an effort to further weaken Iran’s military capabilities before negotiations could gain momentum. The timing of the operations has raised questions about the extent to which regional actors were willing to continue military pressure despite diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions.

Neither the UAE government nor Iran’s mission to the United Nations immediately responded publicly to the claims. Analysts believe the report could further complicate regional relations and potentially undermine confidence in future ceasefire agreements, as questions emerge over the role played by Gulf states in the broader conflict and the long-term implications for regional security and stability.