Report: Israeli and Emirati officials held secret talks on Iran

Israeli and Emirati officials have reportedly held a series of confidential meetings in recent weeks to coordinate positions on Iran and discuss possible joint initiatives in international forums, according to a report by Israel’s Channel 12.

The broadcaster said the meetings took place in a third country, whose identity was not disclosed, and coincided with heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.

According to the report, Emirati officials voiced strong reservations about the memorandum of understanding reached between Washington and Tehran, arguing that it could allow Iran to gain time and economic relief without making substantive concessions.

Channel 12 reported that the two sides discussed possible coordinated diplomatic initiatives concerning Iran in international forums. However, the report said they agreed that any such measures would be undertaken only after prior coordination with the administration of US President Donald Trump.

READ: US, UAE to establish military artificial intelligence task force

The broadcaster also cited unnamed Western diplomats as saying the United Arab Emirates has adopted a firmer position toward Iran than some other Gulf states and does not believe Tehran’s current policies provide a sufficient basis for improving relations.

According to the diplomats, the UAE is not persuaded by what they described as Iranian efforts to delay negotiations, and its ability to export oil and natural gas through routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz has reinforced what they see as a convergence of strategic interests between Abu Dhabi and Israel.

Relations between Israel and the UAE have expanded significantly since the two countries normalized ties in 2020, with cooperation extending beyond diplomatic and economic relations to include security and defence.

READ: UAE proposes trilateral summit with Israel and Jordan on water and energy cooperation