Iran has warned of what it described as “highly dangerous consequences” following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s unannounced visit to Abu Dhabi, where he met United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Netanyahu travelled to the UAE on Sunday, September 27, for a meeting that was not publicly announced ahead of his arrival. The UAE later confirmed the visit through its state news agency, WAM.
According to the UAE statement, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen cooperation between Israel and the UAE. Netanyahu’s office said the discussions also covered regional challenges.
Three Israeli officials cited by Reuters said the meeting lasted about six hours and focused heavily on Iran. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity.
Iran Condemns the Visit
Iran’s Foreign Ministry subsequently criticised Netanyahu’s presence in the UAE and warned regional countries about what it described as the potential security consequences of Israel’s growing presence in the region.
The ministry urged countries in the Middle East to remain vigilant and not allow their territories to be used for activities that could threaten regional stability.
Iran also accused Israel of maintaining a hostile posture towards the Islamic Republic and said closer Israeli activity in the region could have consequences for collective regional security.
The warning comes amid heightened tensions between Iran, Israel and several other regional actors following the recent conflict involving Iran and Israel.
Visit Raises Questions Over October 7 Warning
Netanyahu’s trip has also drawn attention because it came shortly after reports that Sheikh Mohamed may have warned the Israeli prime minister about a possible Hamas attack before October 7, 2023.
According to reports by Israeli media and AP, Netanyahu travelled to Abu Dhabi partly amid renewed controversy over claims that the UAE president had warned him of a potential Hamas attack before the October 7 assault. Netanyahu has denied receiving such a warning.
The reported purpose of the meeting has not been independently established as being solely connected to the October 7 controversy.
The UAE’s official account said the discussions focused on bilateral relations and strengthening ties, while Israeli officials cited by Reuters said Iran was a major subject of the talks.
UAE-Israel Relations
The meeting comes as Israel and the UAE continue diplomatic relations established under the US-brokered Abraham Accords in 2020.
Despite the wider regional tensions, the two countries have maintained diplomatic and economic links, while the UAE has also repeatedly presented itself as seeking regional de-escalation and stability.
The latest Netanyahu visit and Iran’s response highlight the continuing sensitivity surrounding Israel’s relations with Gulf states and the broader competition involving Israel and Iran in the Middle East.
Source: Türkiye Today and Ara, with additional verification from Reuters, Associated Press, Al Jazeera and the UAE government.
