Why did Saudi Arabia and the UAE allegedly carry out secret bombing raids on Iran?
Key takeaways
- The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in April secretly carried out a series of air strikes against Iran during the US-Israeli war against Tehran, the Wall Street Journal and Reuters reported this week.
- Issued on: 14/05/2026 - 16:22Modified: 14/05/2026 - 16:22
- By: Sébastian SEIBT File photo: F-15SA fighter jets are seen during a graduation ceremony and air show marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of King Faisal Air College in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 25, 2017.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in April secretly carried out a series of air strikes against Iran during the US-Israeli war against Tehran, the Wall Street Journal and Reuters reported this week. Analysts say these raids – which neither country has confirmed – would have been clandestine counterattacks following Tehran’s drone and missile strikes against Gulf state infrastructure.
Issued on: 14/05/2026 - 16:22Modified: 14/05/2026 - 16:22
By: Sébastian SEIBT File photo: F-15SA fighter jets are seen during a graduation ceremony and air show marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of King Faisal Air College in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 25, 2017. © Faisal Al Nasser, Reuters At least two Gulf states “secretly” carried out bombing raids on Iran during the latest US-Israeli war against Tehran, officials speaking on condition of anonymity told the media earlier this week.