conflictTuesday, May 12, 20263 sources

UAE Conducts Air Strikes on Iranian Oil Refinery on Lavan Island

The United Arab Emirates launched air strikes on an Iranian oil refinery located on Lavan Island in May 2026. The attacks occurred during a period of heightened conflict in the region, following Iran's extensive targeting of UAE interests. The UAE's actions marked a significant escalation in the ongoing regional tensions.

The UAE conducted air strikes on an Iranian oil refinery on Lavan Island, according to reports from The Hindu and Times of India. The attacks took place around the time U.S. President Donald Trump was announcing a cease-fire in the war after a five-week air strike campaign. The UAE's decision to strike Iran followed Iran's extensive targeting of UAE assets, prompting a strategic shift in Abu Dhabi's approach to Tehran.

Timelines

Sources

IndependentThe HinduMay 12, 09:22 AM
UAE attacked Iran last month: WSJ

An American newspaper said the UAE's attacks targeted a refinery located on Iran's Lavan Island and took place "around the time" U.S. President Donald Trump was "announcing a cease-fire in the war" after a five-week air strike campaign

IndependentThe HinduMay 12, 06:42 AM
Iran-Israel war LIVE: UAE attacked Iran last month, says WSJ

Donald Trump warned the ceasefire in the West Asia war was on “life support” after rejecting the latest counteroffer from Iran

IndependentTimes of IndiaMay 12, 05:56 AM
New participant in Middle East crisis? UAE secretly attacked Iran during war, joined US-Israel campaign

The United Arab Emirates secretly conducted attacks on an Iranian oil refinery last month, marking a new direct participant in the conflict. This action followed Iran's extensive targeting of the UAE, prompting a strategic shift in Abu Dhabi's approach to Tehran. The UAE possesses a highly advanced air force, fueling speculation about its involvement.