Secret Gulf Raids on Iran Signal Quiet Escalation by Riyadh and Abu Dhabi
Reports cited by the Wall Street Journal and Reuters say the UAE carried out several air strikes on Iran and Saudi Arabia conducted numerous strikes as part of the latest US-Israel campaign against Tehran, though there is no official confirmation. If true, it would be the first direct Gulf-state attack on Iran. Analysts say both countries have the means for precision strikes, but chose secrecy to avoid full escalation; the moves risk provoking Iranian retaliation and complicating regional dynamics as Gulf powers seek greater self-defense autonomy while maintaining ties with the US and Israel.