UAE Issues First Official Statement on Netanyahu's Secret Visit

The United Arab Emirates has issued its first official statement following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent secret visit to the UAE and his meeting with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The UAE's statement confirmed that the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and "ways to strengthen and develop" them.

The meeting, which lasted approximately six hours, also included participation from representatives of other Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, according to initial reports. The visit was reportedly aimed at strengthening ties between Israel and Gulf states, with the UAE acting as a mediator. Discussions also touched upon economic issues and Israeli defense systems.

Sources indicate that a primary focus of the meeting was the issue of Iran. Netanyahu is reportedly concerned about a potential agreement between the United States and Iran and sought to build a coalition of countries opposing such a deal. The goal is to exert pressure on Washington and prepare for the possibility of independent Israeli action against Iran.

Netanyahu was accompanied by Mossad chief Roman Gofman, who managed the preliminary contacts for the visit. The meeting also aimed to establish a joint stance with the US regarding Iran, driven by concerns over a developing agreement between Washington and Tehran and the need to prepare for potential Israeli military action.