TEHRAN, Iran — May 14, 2026
Iran has issued a strong warning against any alleged covert cooperation with Israel following claims by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates during a recent military operation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said any collaboration with Israel aimed at undermining Iran would carry serious consequences, intensifying already fragile regional tensions across West Asia.
The warning came after Netanyahu’s office reportedly stated that he had secretly visited the UAE during what Israel referred to as “Operation Roaring Lion.”
Netanyahu Claims Secret UAE Visit, Abu Dhabi Rejects Report
In a statement released Wednesday, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office claimed Netanyahu traveled discreetly to the UAE and met with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the operation.
Israeli officials reportedly described the visit as a “historic success” in bilateral relations between the two countries.
However, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs firmly denied the claims, stating that no such visit took place and that no Israeli military delegation had been received in the country.
The denial has fueled speculation and diplomatic debate across the region, particularly amid heightened security concerns linked to Iran-Israel tensions.
Iran Says Security Agencies Had Already Alerted Leadership
Reacting to the reports on social media platform X, Araghchi said Netanyahu’s message had only confirmed information that Iranian security agencies had already communicated to the country’s leadership.
The Iranian foreign minister warned that “hostility against the great people of Iran is a foolish gamble” and accused Israel of attempting to create divisions within the region.
He further stated that cooperating with Israel to destabilize Iran would be considered an “unforgivable crime,” adding that those involved would eventually be held accountable.
Reports Fuel Speculation Over Security Coordination
Several media reports circulating in the region have alleged that Israel provided military assistance to the UAE during its confrontation with Iran, including the deployment of Iron Dome defense systems and personnel.
Unverified reports have also claimed that David Barnea, head of Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad, visited the UAE multiple times during the conflict period.
Some reports further suggested that Israeli and Emirati officials coordinated activities related to a strike on an Iranian petrochemical facility.
The UAE has rejected all such allegations as baseless, emphasizing that its relations with Israel remain official and publicly acknowledged under the Abraham Accords.
Regional Tensions Continue to Escalate
The latest exchange has added to growing geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East, where Iran and Israel remain engaged in an increasingly hostile strategic rivalry.
Analysts say the public accusations, denials, and warnings could complicate diplomatic efforts and increase the risk of further regional escalation, particularly as security cooperation between Israel and several Gulf nations continues to face scrutiny from Tehran.
