The UAE, armed with Western-made jet fighters and surveillance technology, is said to have been behind an attack on Iran’s Lavan Island
21:36, 11 May 2026Updated 22:19, 11 May 2026
Airstrikes hit the Lavan Oil Refinery on Lavan Island in April(Image: @AMK_Mapping_/X)
The UAE has reportedly launched military strikes on Iran in secret, potentially pulling the Gulf monarchy directly into the widening conflict.
The country, armed with Western-made jet fighters and surveillance technology, is said to have been behind an attack on the oil refinery on Iran’s Lavan Island.
The UAE has repeatedly accused Iran of launching missiles and drones towards Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in recent weeks. On May 4, officials said Iranian strikes sparked a huge fire at the country’s biggest port and oil storage facility, Fujairah.
Earlier attacks saw UAE air defences intercept ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones over multiple days in March and April.
Plumes of grey smoke rising above the Fujairah Oil Industry(Image: X)
Fujairah also came under attack in March along with Dubai’s international airport, with flights temporarily suspended after a blaze erupted near the site following a “drone-related incident”.
It is now being reported by the Wall Street Journal that the UAE carried out a covert strike on Iran’s Lavan Island refinery on April 8, causing major damage to the site. Iran described it as an “enemy attack” which caused no casualties.
Iranian state TV also quoted the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company as saying the oil facility “was subjected to a cowardly attack”.
Fire and smoke at Dubai International Airport on March 16(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Iran responded by launching missiles and drones on the UAE and Kuwait. “Missile and drone attacks on the Emirates and Kuwait have taken place a few hours after the targeting of Lavan island oil facilities in Iran,” IRIB said in a report.
Iranian attacks on the UAE have killed at least 10 people and injured more than 230 since the conflict erupted on February 28.
Civilian deaths included citizens of Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Palestine, India and Egypt, as well as a Moroccan national serving in the UAE armed forces.