UAE Denies Report of Secret Netanyahu Meeting During Iran War

The United Arab Emirates has denied reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a secret meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed during the Iran conflict, calling the claims unfounded.

The UAE foreign ministry stated that relations with Israel are open and officially documented, stressing that there are no hidden or unofficial diplomatic arrangements. It said any suggestion of undisclosed visits or meetings would only be valid if confirmed by official government announcements.

The denial came after Netanyahu’s office claimed he had traveled to the UAE during the war and held a meeting described as a “historic breakthrough” in relations between the two countries.

Conflicting Claims Over Alleged Meeting

While Israeli officials said the meeting took place and involved high level discussions, a source familiar with the matter claimed the two leaders met in Al-Ain, a city near the Oman border, on March 26, with talks reportedly lasting several hours.

The UAE, however, firmly rejected the account and said no such unannounced visit had occurred.

Wider Regional Context and Security Cooperation

The dispute comes during a period of heightened regional tension linked to the Iran war, which saw strikes across several Gulf states. Reports also suggested increased coordination between Israel and the UAE during the conflict, including visits by intelligence officials and deployment of Israeli air defense systems to the UAE.

Despite the controversy, the UAE remains a key regional partner for Israel under the Abraham Accords established in 2020, maintaining strong diplomatic and economic ties while navigating ongoing regional security pressures.