News Desk
Last Updated: 14 May 2026, 11:37 AM IST
Iran has warned the United Arab Emirates against “colluding” with Israel after Israel claimed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the UAE during the ongoing regional conflict.
Representational image.
Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sharply criticised unnamed Gulf nations after Israel claimed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the United Arab Emirates during the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.
Without directly naming the UAE, Araghchi warned that “enmity with the people of Iran is a foolish gamble” and said any country “colluding with Israel to sow division” would be held accountable.
What triggered Iran’s reaction
The remarks came after Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office stated that Netanyahu had made a “secret visit” to the UAE during Israel’s military operation against Iran.
According to the Israeli statement, Netanyahu met UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in what Israel described as a breakthrough in relations between the two countries amid heightened regional tensions.
Israel claimed the meeting helped deepen strategic and military coordination during the conflict.
Reacting to the reports, Araghchi wrote on X that Iranian security agencies had already informed Tehran’s leadership about the alleged meeting long ago.
He warned that siding against Iran could carry consequences for countries in the region.
“Collusion with Israel in doing so: unforgivable,” Araghchi said in his statement.
UAE rejects Israel’s claims
The United Arab Emirates later denied reports of a secret Netanyahu visit and rejected claims that it hosted an Israeli military delegation.
In an official statement, the UAE said its ties with Israel are already public under the Abraham Accords and are not based on “secret or unofficial arrangements”.
The UAE also urged media organisations to avoid circulating unverified reports. Despite the UAE’s denial, international media reports citing unnamed sources claimed Netanyahu met UAE leadership in the city of Al Ain in March.
Some reports also stated that Mossad chief Dedi Barnea visited the UAE during the conflict period to coordinate security discussions. The developments have added to speculation over growing regional cooperation between Israel and Gulf states following the Abraham Accords signed in 2020.
Regional tensions remain high
The controversy comes amid continued instability in the Middle East following military escalations involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Iran has repeatedly criticised Arab nations that normalised relations with Israel and has accused regional governments of enabling Israeli military and intelligence activities.
Meanwhile, Gulf countries continue balancing security ties with the West while trying to avoid direct confrontation with Tehran.
Separately, Araghchi accused Kuwait of unlawfully detaining four Iranian nationals after Kuwaiti authorities intercepted a boat near Bubiyan Island in the Persian Gulf.
Iran demanded the immediate release of the detainees and warned that it “reserves the right to respond”.
The latest diplomatic tensions highlight the increasingly fragile security environment across the Gulf region.
Published: 14 May 2026, 11:37 am IST
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