Netanyahu Made Secret UAE Visit During Iran War, Israel Confirms

Military Cooperation Amid Iran Tensions

Israel's announcement followed revelations by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee that Israel had deployed Iron Dome air-defense systems and personnel to the UAE. The move came as both nations faced threats during the Iran conflict, with the UAE strengthening its security partnerships with Washington and Jerusalem.

Last week, WAM reported that Netanyahu was among world leaders who contacted the Emirati president to condemn Iranian attacks and express solidarity. The public acknowledgment of direct high-level talks between Israel and the UAE remains rare, despite their growing alignment against shared regional threats.

Regional Fallout From Iran Conflict

Meanwhile, Iran accused Kuwait of detaining four Iranians allegedly linked to the Revolutionary Guard, calling the arrests an attempt to "sow discord." Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi demanded their immediate release in a Wednesday post on X, warning that Iran reserved the right to respond. "This illegal act took place near an island used by the U.S. to attack Iran," Araghchi wrote.

Kuwait said the men were apprehended on May 1 while attempting to infiltrate Bubiyan Island in the Persian Gulf, with two others escaping capture. The incident underscored escalating tensions as the Iran war reshapes Gulf security dynamics.

In a separate development, Nobel Peace laureate Narges Mohammadi, imprisoned in Iran, was hospitalized on May 1 after collapsing in custody. Doctors examining the 53-year-old activist, released on bail 10 days later, determined she requires eight months of treatment for worsening vascular disease. Mohammadi, awarded the Nobel in 2023 while incarcerated, has faced repeated detentions throughout her career.