UAE and Saudi Arabia Allegedly Launch Covert Attacks on Iran

Recent reports indicate that the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have conducted covert bombing campaigns against Iran, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. The Wall Street Journal and Reuters revealed that these Gulf states joined Israel and the United States in military actions, with UAE intelligence coordinating closely with Mossad. Experts suggest these attacks serve distinct strategic purposes: Saudi Arabia aims to deter Iranian aggression following previous Houthi attacks, while the UAE seeks to assert its independence and influence post-ceasefire negotiations. This development highlights the growing rivalry between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, driven by competing economic ambitions in sectors like AI and tourism, as well as personal tensions between their leaders. The UAE's actions are increasingly viewed as aligning with Israeli interests, positioning it as a potential 'Trojan horse' in the Arab world. By acting independently of US-led diplomatic efforts, the Emirates signals its refusal to let its interests be sacrificed in any potential deal between Washington and Tehran, underscoring its emergence as a confident middle power challenging Saudi dominance in the region.