Iran Accuses UAE of Active War Participation Amid Reports of Secret Israeli Visits

Tensions between Iran and the United Arab Emirates have escalated significantly following accusations by Iranian officials that Abu Dhabi actively participated in recent conflicts against Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi labeled the UAE an 'active partner in war,' citing alleged use of Emirati territory for attacks and collusion with Israel. Former officials Manouchehr Mottaki and Ali Motahari reinforced these claims, asserting that UAE-based drones targeted Iran and highlighting Abu Dhabi's growing hostility driven by U.S. support. These diplomatic strains coincide with reports of a secret visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the UAE, which his office described as a historic breakthrough, although Emirati officials denied the secretive nature of the engagement. Additionally, the Wall Street Journal reported that Mossad chief David Barnea visited the UAE twice for war coordination, and alleged that the UAE conducted secret attacks on Iranian oil facilities. The delivery of Israel’s Iron Dome system to the UAE has further fueled Iranian outrage, marking a severe deterioration in regional relations and expanding security cooperation between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi.