UAE and Iran Resume Flights Amid Deepening Israel-UAE Security Ties

Israel has detected initial signs of a thaw in relations between Abu Dhabi and Tehran, marked notably by the resumption of flights by Flydubai and Emirates through Iranian airspace for the first time in months. This development also includes movements of Emirati presidential aircraft in the region. Diplomatic sources told Maariv that this step is driven by the United Arab Emirates' economic and pragmatic interests and does not indicate a distancing from Israel.

Simultaneously, security cooperation between Israel and the UAE has significantly intensified, reaching unprecedented levels during the ongoing conflict. Israel has supplied the UAE with the Iron Dome missile defense system and deployed Israeli soldiers to assist in its operation against Iranian threats. Despite these ties, tensions remain unresolved, as evidenced by attacks on three vessels belonging to Abu Dhabi's national oil company in the Strait of Hormuz within a week, for which the UAE blamed Iran.

Abu Dhabi emphasizes that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is a paramount interest. The UAE is pursuing a dual policy that balances safeguarding strategic assets alongside Israel and the United States while reducing friction and restoring communication channels with Tehran.