The UAE announced the detention of 27 people accused of belonging to an Iran-linked cell and of plotting "systematic" terrorist and sabotage acts. Authorities allege the group was affiliated with Iran's Velayat-e Faqih, collected and transferred funds abroad, and ran covert recruitment efforts targeting Emirati youth. The arrests come amid wider US-Israel-Iran tensions and recent Iranian strikes in the Gulf; the UAE has also previously detained suspects linked to Iran and Hezbollah.
UAE Says It Dismantled Iran-Linked Cell, Detains 27 Suspects Over Alleged Terror Plot
Spectators crowd the 'Hassantak Ya Watan' (We Protected You, O Homeland) run held on April 18 in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates to strengthen solidarity in the country amid the impacts of the US-Israel war on Iran [Samah Zidan/ Anadolu]
The United Arab Emirates says its State Security Service has detained 27 people accused of belonging to an Iran-linked cell that allegedly planned "systematic terrorist and sabotage acts." Authorities published the suspects' names and photographs and opened charges including running a secret organisation, pledging allegiance to foreign entities, and harming national unity and social peace.
Authorities' Allegations
The State Security Service said the cell was affiliated with Iran's Velayat-e Faqih (the "Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist"), the doctrine that underpins the Islamic Republic's political-religious system. Officials allege the group collected funds and transferred them to suspicious foreign entities, adopted extremist ideologies, and carried out covert recruitment and indoctrination—particularly targeting Emirati youth.
"Their aim was to spread misleading ideas among Emirati youth and recruit them to serve foreign loyalties, incite against the country's foreign policy and internal procedures, and attempt to portray the country in a negative light," the statement said.
Regional Context
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions tied to the wider US-Israeli confrontation with Iran. Recent strikes by Iran have targeted countries hosting US military assets and, the UAE says, struck civilian infrastructure across the Gulf—though many attacks were intercepted. Earlier this month the UAE said Iran should pay for damage caused by its Gulf strikes.
Emirati authorities also recalled arrests last month of at least five people alleged to be part of a separate network linked to Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah. The current detentions and formal charges underscore the UAE's stated intent to counter foreign influence and protect national security.
What Happens Next: The suspects face legal proceedings under UAE security laws; authorities have not released a full timeline for prosecutions or further details about the evidence against the group.
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