Netanyahu says he 'secretly visited' UAE during war with Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had secretly visited the United Arab Emirates during the ongoing war with Iran. The UAE foreign ministry denied the reports of the alleged visit and said relations between the two countries were not based on unofficial arrangements.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had secretly visited the United Arab Emirates during the ongoing war with Iran. Netanyahu did not give a date for the visit but said the talks had focused on regional security coordination and post-Iran scenarios.
The UAE foreign ministry denied the comments, saying Netanyahu had not visited the country. The ministry said relations with Israel were conducted within the framework of the 2020 Abraham Accords and that no unofficial arrangements existed. A spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry described the comments as overt collusion.
The statements came as Tehran toughened its stance over the Strait of Hormuz. US Vice President JD Vance said progress had been made in talks with Iran. Diplomatic sources in the Gulf say tensions in the region have brought the Israel-Arab normalisation process to a delicate point. Saudi Arabia and Egypt have not yet commented.
More from Middle East
UK promises jets, drones and warship for Strait of Hormuz defence mission
The UK Ministry of Defence said it would contribute fighter jets, drones and a warship to a Strait of Hormuz defence mission involving more than 40 nations. The mission will begin when conditions allow, it said.
Iran war: Why the BRICS foreign ministers meeting in India matters
Foreign ministers of the BRICS bloc met in India under the shadow of the Iran war. The agenda includes a ceasefire push, energy corridors and a rethink of international financial architecture. The tone of the joint statement is being closely watched.
Bowen: Strait of Hormuz standoff raises risk of sliding back into all-out war
BBC correspondent Jeremy Bowen warns that the US and Iran's mutual pressure in the Strait of Hormuz has put the fragile ceasefire at serious jeopardy, risking a return to full-scale conflict.