ISLAMABAD: A military source has told Iran’s Tasnim News Agency that technical assessments indicate Israel carried out multiple drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates in recent weeks under false flag operations.
The source claimed the strikes aimed to provoke the UAE into adopting a more hostile stance against Iran and other regional actors.
Technical evaluations by armed forces reportedly identified Israeli involvement in several incidents attributed initially to other parties.
Tasnim reported that the assessments covered attacks over the past several weeks. The source emphasized that Israel acted solely in its own interests, drawing certain Gulf countries into a dangerous situation.
UAE authorities have previously reported drone incursions, including incidents near critical infrastructure such as oil facilities in Fujairah and areas close to the Barakah nuclear power plant.
In the broader 2026 regional conflict, the UAE has intercepted thousands of Iranian projectiles, with official figures showing over 2,200 drones and hundreds of missiles engaged since late February.
The Tasnim source alleged that while Iran has conducted retaliatory actions, specific drone strikes on UAE targets were executed by Israel to frame Tehran. No independent verification of these specific claims has emerged from UAE or international sources.
UAE defense officials have consistently attributed recent attacks to Iranian forces.
Reports from April and May 2026 documented multiple waves of Iranian missiles and drones targeting Gulf states, resulting in civilian and military casualties. The UAE has reported at least 13 deaths and over 200 injuries from such strikes.
**Official Positions**
Iranian media has repeatedly pushed the false flag narrative amid escalating tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in February 2026. UAE and US-aligned assessments continue to point to Iranian responsibility for most aerial threats in the Gulf.
Israeli officials have not commented publicly on the Tasnim allegations. The Israeli military has focused operations on Iranian nuclear and missile sites during the ongoing conflict.
**Key Figures and Context**
The UAE’s sophisticated air defense systems, including US-supplied THAAD and Patriot batteries, have achieved high interception rates. Official data shows successful neutralization of 537 ballistic missiles, 2,256 drones, and 26 cruise missiles from Iranian launches as of early April 2026.
Recent incidents include a drone strike causing a fire at an oil terminal in Fujairah and attempts near the Barakah facility on the UAE’s western coast. Three people were reported wounded in one engagement involving two ballistic missiles and three drones.
The 2026 conflict escalated after joint US-Israeli actions against Iran, triggering Iranian retaliation across multiple Gulf states. The UAE, despite normalization efforts with Israel under the Abraham Accords, has found itself drawn into direct exchanges.
**Reactions and Regional Impact**
Gulf states have strengthened air defenses and maintained coordination with US forces. Oil prices showed volatility following attacks on energy infrastructure, though markets have partially stabilized amid ceasefire talks.
Analysts note the accusations reflect deep mistrust between Iran and its Gulf neighbors. The UAE maintains strong security ties with both the United States and Israel while managing complex energy and trade relationships across the region.
**Strategic Implications**
The claims, if substantiated, would point to sophisticated information and proxy operations designed to fracture Gulf unity. However, the absence of independent technical corroboration limits their immediate credibility.
Regional security remains fragile. Future developments may depend on the durability of any emerging ceasefires and the ability of Gulf states to deter further aerial threats. Diplomatic efforts continue to prevent wider escalation while addressing underlying nuclear and proxy conflicts.
UAE and international monitors are expected to maintain close surveillance of airspace amid persistent tensions.