Following Iran’s indiscriminate attacks on countries around the Persian Gulf, some nations have begun to crack down on terrorist organizations supported by Iran within their borders. On Friday, March 20th, the United Arab Emirates’ National Security Agency announced the successful dismantling of a “terror network” funded and operated by Hezbollah in Lebanon with support from Iran, and the arrest of related members.
According to the UAE’s official news agency, the network was involved in “money laundering, funding terrorism, and threatening national security.” The report stated, “The terrorist network used fake businesses as a cover to operate domestically, attempting to penetrate the country’s economy and scheme to threaten our financial stability.”
The UAE’s National Security Agency stated that the network operated according to pre-determined strategic plans in coordination with foreign entities with ties to Iran and Hezbollah, violating multiple economic and legal norms in the country, including crimes such as money laundering and financing terrorist activities.
Security officials emphasized that any attempts to use the national economy or civil institutions for terrorist or conspiratorial activities will face decisive action. They further added in a statement that any external interference threatening the security or stability of the UAE, regardless of its origin or guise, will not be tolerated by the authorities.
Currently, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran have not provided an immediate response to these developments.
Since the joint US-Israeli bombing of Iran on February 28th, Tehran, Hezbollah, and other affiliated organizations have launched large-scale indiscriminate missile and drone attacks in the Persian Gulf region, while also blockading the Hormuz Strait in retaliation for the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and dozens of top Iranian officials.
As of March 20th, the UAE is one of the worst-hit countries in the targeted attacks. The country has suffered over 300 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and more than 1,700 drones attacks.
These assaults primarily targeted energy infrastructure (such as oil ports, refineries, gas facilities), US military bases, ports, civilian economic facilities, and peripheral areas of major metropolitan areas. In addition, desalination plants have also been indirectly affected.
On March 8th, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan unusually referred to Iran as an “enemy,” signaling a significant shift in relations between the UAE and Iran. He also warned Iran that the UAE’s hand is strong and can reach far (indicating the ability to take long-range offensive or defensive actions), stating “our skin is thick and tough, not an easy ‘prey’ to be devoured.”