UAE Strike on Iran Raises Gulf War Risk

The risk of Gulf states being drawn directly into a war with Iran has increased after reports that the United Arab Emirates secretly carried out strikes on Iranian territory during the recent conflict, the Guardian reported, citing the Wall Street Journal.

According to the report, the UAE launched the strikes in retaliation for earlier Iranian attacks on Emirati facilities. One attack reportedly targeted an oil refinery on Iran’s Lavan Island in the Persian Gulf shortly before the 7 April ceasefire.

The report could make the UAE an even more prominent target for Tehran if fighting between Iran and the United States resumes.

Regional tensions have also been heightened by Kuwait’s detention of four people it said were affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Kuwait said they had attempted to enter the country by sea and were preparing hostile operations on Bubiyan Island.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar are reportedly reluctant to support a tougher regional approach towards Iran. Riyadh has warned that open war could devastate Saudi oil facilities and strategic projects.

(guardian, bak)