The United Arab Emirates has carried out secret strikes on Iran during the war started by the US and Israel earlier this year, according to a report, in what would mark the first involvement of a Gulf nation in the conflict. The Gulf monarchy was Iran ’s number one target since it began its retaliatory attacks across the region, targeting states that are allied with the US . The UAE has not publicly acknowledged the strikes, which included an attack on a refinery on Iran’s Lavan Island in the Persian Gulf in early April, around the time Donald Trump announced a temporary truce, The Wall Street Journal reported. Smoke and flames rise from an energy installation in Fujairah in March (AFP/Getty) The apparent attacks indicate the country will use force to protect its economic interests, after Tehran sought to damage its oil and gas facilities. Iran said the Lavan Island refinery had been struck in an enemy attack and launched several missile and drone strikes against Kuwait and the UAE in response.…