UAE Denies Reports of Secret Netanyahu Visit Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
TOPSHOT - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a state memorial ceremony for the victims of the 1948 Altalena affair, at Nachalat Yitzhak cemetery in Tel Aviv on June 18, 2024. (Photo by Shaul GOLAN / POOL / AFP) (Photo by SHAUL GOLAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
May 14, 2026 | Burma Independent Voice
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has denied reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a clandestine visit to the country, contradicting a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday.
According to the Israeli statement, Netanyahu met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, describing the encounter as a “historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the UAE.” The Gulf nation formally normalized ties with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords.
However, the UAE’s official news agency, WAM, issued a report refuting the “circulating news” regarding Netanyahu’s visit. WAM stated that the relationship between the two nations is conducted transparently within the framework of the Abraham Accords and does not rely on undisclosed or secret arrangements. The UAE further denied hosting any Israeli military delegation.
These conflicting reports emerged just one day after the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, claimed that Israel had deployed Iron Dome aerial defense systems and personnel to the UAE. Despite a ceasefire reached last month, the UAE continues to face missile and drone threats from Iran and is actively seeking to reassure investors of its status as a safe business hub.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized Kuwait on Wednesday for the detention of four Iranian nationals accused of being members of the Revolutionary Guard. Araghchi labeled the arrests as “provocative” and demanded their immediate release, asserting that Iran reserves the right to respond.
In separate developments concerning Iranian human rights activists, prominent lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh has been released on bail from Evin Prison after more than a month in detention. Sotoudeh is well-known for representing activists and political opposition figures.
Additionally, 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi is currently receiving medical treatment after collapsing in prison. Doctors have reported that her cardiovascular condition has worsened, requiring at least eight months of specialized care. She is currently on medical leave and undergoing treatment at a hospital in Tehran.
