The United Arab Emirates has officially confirmed that its armed forces participated in the US-led Operation Epic Fury, a coordinated multinational military campaign targeting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and associated influence networks. The announcement underscores the Gulf states’ deepening commitment to regional security and stability amid escalating tensions with Tehran.

According to Emirati officials, UAE forces joined the operation in close coordination with allied partners, including the United States and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. The move aims to neutralize immediate security threats posed by Iranian proxies and ballistic missile capabilities that have disrupted international shipping and targeted civilian and military infrastructure across the region.

Limited Details Released

Emirati spokespersons deliberately withheld operational specifics, including the number and type of aircraft deployed, personnel involved, and exact targets struck. A senior UAE defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of ongoing operations, framed the involvement as a unified stance among regional actors committed to deterring aggression and safeguarding the sovereignty and prosperity of the Gulf and beyond.

This cautious approach mirrors standard military protocol during active engagements, prioritizing operational security while signaling resolve to adversaries.

The “Gulf Four” at NATO Summit in Istanbul

The UAE’s confirmation comes alongside reports of significant involvement by the so-called “Gulf Four” — the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar — which participated prominently in recent NATO summit meetings held in Istanbul. These nations have collectively undertaken military and intelligence actions aimed at dismantling Iran’s IRGC command structures and proxy networks.

UAE, Kuwaiti, and Bahraini fighter jets are reported to have conducted strikes on IRGC targets inside Iran within the past few hours, according to information circulating widely across Gulf media and social platforms. While not yet officially confirmed by the respective governments, the reports echo earlier accounts of Saudi and UAE involvement in previous strikes, which were later corroborated by US sources.

The first three Gulf states — UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain — notably boycotted the funeral of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a move widely interpreted as a diplomatic rebuke and further isolation of the Iranian regime. Qatar’s role has been described primarily in intelligence-sharing and logistical support capacities.

Background and Regional Context

Operation Epic Fury was launched in response to a series of Iranian provocations, including attacks on Gulf shipping lanes, support for militant groups destabilizing Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq, and ongoing nuclear ambitions. The operation aligns with broader US efforts under the current administration to enforce a policy of zero tolerance for Iranian regional hegemony.

Earlier unconfirmed reports of Saudi and UAE strikes on Iranian territory had already heightened expectations of deeper Gulf involvement. US officials later verified aspects of those operations, highlighting effective coordination that minimized civilian casualties while degrading key IRGC assets.

“This is not merely defensive posturing. It represents a proactive coalition dedicated to long-term stability, building on the foundations of the Abraham Accords and recent normalization efforts with Israel and other partners.” — Dr. Ahmed Al-Mansoori, Dubai-based strategic affairs expert

Reactions and Implications

• United States: White House and Pentagon officials welcomed the UAE’s confirmation, describing it as a vital contribution to collective defense. Vice President JD Vance reportedly praised the Gulf partners for standing shoulder-to-shoulder against shared threats.
• Israel: Israeli defense sources expressed strong support, viewing the strikes as complementary to efforts securing the northern border and countering Hezbollah.
• Iran: Tehran condemned the actions as aggression by “Zionist-aligned regimes,” threatening retaliation while facing internal pressure over its diminished military capabilities.
• Pakistan: Islamabad, playing a noted mediation role in recent diplomatic tracks, has called for de-escalation while acknowledging the legitimate security concerns of Gulf allies.

The developments are expected to bolster confidence in Gulf markets and reinforce energy security for global partners. Oil prices showed initial volatility but stabilized on assurances of continued cooperation.

As Operation Epic Fury progresses, observers anticipate further statements from participating nations. The UAE’s transparent confirmation sets a tone of accountability and unity among like-minded states committed to a safer, more prosperous Middle East.