The United Arab Emirates secretly launched a major strike on Iran’s Lazan Island in early April, just before a ceasefire was declared on April 7, according to sources. The attack marked a significant escalation in the ongoing Gulf conflict involving Iran and its regional rivals [1].
Kuwait reported capturing at least four members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who were allegedly attempting terrorist attacks on Kuwaiti-controlled Bubiyan Island, further heightening security concerns among Gulf states [1].
Iran has increasingly targeted the UAE in its war rhetoric, warning of stronger strikes if the United States and Israel resume their attacks against Iranian interests. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared the port of Fujairah in the UAE to be within Iran’s maritime control zone in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, asserting jurisdiction over the area [2].
Despite the Iranian assertions, Iran denied responsibility for a recent strike on the Fujairah port in early May, an incident that intensified tensions between the two countries [2]. The UAE condemned the Iranian attacks and reserved the right to respond militarily, signaling a willingness to escalate its defense posture [2].
The United States has bolstered security cooperation with the UAE amid the rising threat. The US ambassador to Israel confirmed that Israel has deployed Iron Dome air defense systems and personnel to the UAE to improve its defensive capabilities against potential missile or drone attacks [1, 2].
Iranian authorities have responded by cutting many ties with the UAE, including canceling visas for Iranian citizens and closing Iranian businesses and trade routes within the Emirates. Iran is also trying to reroute its imports away from UAE ports, seeking alternative land routes through Pakistan to replace lost sea access [2].
The escalations come on the backdrop of increasingly hostile rhetoric from Iranian officials. On or around May 10, Iranian parliament member Ali Khezrian stated, "Our label of ‘neighbours’ with the Emirates has for now been lifted, and the label of ‘hostile base’ has been set for the country," reflecting a significant deterioration in relations [2].
Earlier in May, the IRGC’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned UAE leaders against hosting US and Israeli forces, threatening strong retaliation for such actions [2].
Meanwhile, Kuwait continues investigations and security operations following the capture of IRGC operatives, underscoring the wider regional dimension of the conflict [1].
The UAE and Iran remain on heightened alert as diplomatic and military tensions escalate, with no new ceasefire agreement reported since April 7.
