UAE dismantles terrorist cell linked to Iran

The UAE State Security Department has dismantled a terrorist network linked to Iran, arresting its members over a plot to destabilise the country.

Authorities say the group adopted extremist ideologies, recruited through secret meetings and coordinated with external entities to gain access to sensitive sites.

Investigations revealed the cell's links to Iran’s 'Wilayat al-Faqih' ideology, and found its members held clandestine meetings both inside and outside the country with terrorist elements and suspicious organisations.

They attempted to influence Emirati youth with misleading ideas, recruit them to serve foreign agendas and incite opposition to the country’s policies.

Authorities added that the group collected funds through unofficial channels and transferred them to entities abroad.

Those arrested face charges including forming and running a secret organisation, pledging allegiance to foreign groups and harming national unity and social stability.

تفكيك #تنظيم_إرهابي خطط لزعزعة #أمن_الدولة والإضرار بالوحدة الوطنية والسلم pic.twitter.com/Ol9FsJkp72

— جهاز أمن الدولة (@ssd_gov_ae) April 20, 2026