Reports Reveal Secret Saudi and UAE Strikes on Iran Amid Regional Conflict

Recent reports indicate that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates conducted undisclosed military strikes against Iranian targets during the ongoing conflict. Reuters revealed that the Saudi Air Force attacked multiple sites in late March, marking the first direct Saudi strikes on Iran, which subsequently led to diplomatic de-escalation talks between Riyadh and Tehran. Similarly, Bloomberg reported that the UAE launched retaliatory attacks on Iranian facilities, including Lavan Island and Asaluyeh petrochemical complexes, sometimes coordinating with Israel. These actions highlight a broader involvement of Gulf states beyond the direct US-Iran confrontation. Despite these hostilities, an informal understanding to reduce tensions was reached between Saudi Arabia and Iran prior to the April ceasefire. Data shows a significant decrease in drone and missile attacks on Saudi Arabia following these diplomatic efforts, although Iraqi militias backed by Iran continued limited operations. The revelations underscore the complex, multi-layered nature of the regional war, involving covert military actions and intense behind-the-scenes diplomacy to prevent further escalation among key oil-producing nations.