Story perspectives

UAE Secret Strike Wipes $120B, Sparks Iran Retaliation

5/13/2026

Left

UAE Strikes Iran

The secret UAE strike erased over $120 billion in Gulf stock value and cancelled more than 18,400 flights.
The United Arab Emirates conducted a covert attack on Iranian targets, confirmed by regional sources.
U.S. officials said Washington did not object to the UAE strike and welcomed Gulf participation.
Iran launched missiles and drones at UAE and Kuwait, heaviest attacks since the war began.

Right

Saudi Strikes Iran

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan declared the kingdom reserves the right to take military action if necessary.
In late March, Saudi Arabia’s air force launched unpublicized strikes on Iranian territory, its first known direct attacks on Iran.
Saudi officials framed raids as tit-for-tat retaliation for missile and drone assaults on Saudi soil.
An understanding cut Iranian attacks and prompted Pakistan to deploy fighter jets for Saudi security.

History

Historical Context

On 18 April 1988 the United States launched Operation Praying Mantis, destroying two Iranian oil platforms, the frigate Sahand and the fast-attack craft Joshan after Iran mined the frigate Samuel B. Roberts on 14 April. The strike helped push Iran toward a cease-fire later that summer. Today UAE and Saudi covert strikes on Iranian sites are being likened to that 1988 precedent.

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UAE Strikes Iran

The secret UAE strike erased over $120 billion in Gulf stock value and cancelled more than 18,400 flights.
The United Arab Emirates conducted a covert attack on Iranian targets, confirmed by regional sources.
U.S. officials said Washington did not object to the UAE strike and welcomed Gulf participation.
Iran launched missiles and drones at UAE and Kuwait, heaviest attacks since the war began.

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