Maroan-Romulan Trap

The Maroan-Romulan Trap was a brief  conflict fought between the Federation and the Maroan Dominion, who were being supported by the Romulan Star Empire, in 2290. The conflict nearly brought an end to the peace treaty between Tabuk 3 and 4.

Prelude
"They had an armes race that made the one in the Lavinian system look like a game of tag."

- Admiral Yawlis, 2290

For two hundreds, Tabuk 3 and 4 were at war with each other. During that time, both worlds had an arms race, where they devoted so much effort to building more and more powerful weapons. These weapons were capable of frightening mass destruction. Enormous stockpiles were kept on both planets to blow themeselves up a thousand times over.

It was not until 2290 that both worlds realized that they had to stop their madness. When that happened, both worlds asked that the Federation mediate an end to their war and joined the Federation. They also agreed to cooperate in disposing their warheads.

Maroan Dominion-Romulan Empire Alliance
"We Maroans have little patience for false humility. I've always believed this to be something we have in common with you Romulans."

- Supreme Leader Brekara, 2290

Due to their position near the Romulan Neutral Zone, the Tabuk system was of strategic importance to the Federation and the Romulans. Following Tabuk 3 and 4's membership into the Federation, the Romulan Empire made a covert alliance with the Maroan Dominion under it's Supreme Leader Brekara. In exchange for the use of their intelligence network, the Romulans gave them antiquated cloaking devices for their ship. They also sent in an adviser, Admiral Jaricus, to oversee their operations and if they would be a worthy ally.

When the Tabukans of both worlds started to dispose their warheads, the Maroans attacked their freighters, taking the warheads by force. Starfleet was informed of this development, but only knew that there was a possible Romulan connection to these attacks. Thus, Starfleet and Admiral Yawlis sent two ships, the USS Enterprise (NCC-17-1-A) under Capt. James T. Kirk and the USS Excelsior (NCC-2000) under Capt. Hikaru Sulu, to show that they supported the Tabukans and that they would stand for no interference