Saudi Arabia and UAE Conducted Secret Strikes on Iran Amid Regional Conflict

Recent reports reveal that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates carried out undisclosed military strikes against Iranian targets during the recent regional conflict. Citing Western and Iranian officials, Reuters confirmed that the Saudi Air Force attacked sites in Iran in late March as retaliation for attacks on the kingdom, marking a significant shift in Riyadh's defensive posture. Similarly, Bloomberg reported that the UAE struck Iranian facilities, including Lavan Island and Asaluyeh petrochemical complexes, sometimes in coordination with Israel. These actions highlight the broader involvement of Gulf states beyond the direct US-Israel-Iran confrontation. Following these secret operations, Saudi Arabia engaged in diplomatic communications with Tehran, leading to an informal understanding aimed at de-escalating tensions before the April ceasefire. Data indicates a subsequent decrease in drone and missile attacks on Saudi territory, although threats from Iranian-backed militias in Iraq persisted. The revelations underscore the complex, multi-layered nature of the hostilities and the critical role of Gulf nations in shaping regional security dynamics through both covert military action and diplomatic engagement.