Netanyahu Makes Secret Visit to Abu Dhabi During Iran Conflict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he made a secret trip to Abu Dhabi during the recent war with Iran, where he met with the country's president. The disclosure underscores deepening ties between the two states amid the conflict. The UAE issued an immediate denial, calling the reports baseless and insisting all relations are transparent and not based on secret arrangements.

The meeting reportedly resulted in what one outlet described as a historic breakthrough in bilateral relations. Netanyahu's announcement appears aimed at highlighting an anti-Iran alliance for domestic audiences. The timing has drawn scrutiny because it followed Iranian statements warning that collusion with Israel would not be tolerated.

The UAE had quietly accepted Israeli Iron Dome batteries and personnel to defend against Iranian strikes, according to reports. This cooperation was kept hidden to avoid backlash across the Arab and Muslim world. Netanyahu's public revelation exposed that arrangement, prompting an Iranian warning that those colluding would be held to account.

The episode illustrates tensions in partnerships where one side benefits from publicity while the other requires discretion. The UAE's forceful denial came within hours of the story breaking. Iran’s foreign ministry had earlier stated that collusion with Israel is unforgivable.

President Donald Trump is scheduled to hold a high-stakes summit in Beijing on Wednesday. Top U.S. officials have urged China to encourage Iran to reach a settlement in the paused conflict. China, as Iran’s largest oil consumer, holds diplomatic leverage that could help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The war has been paused since Trump announced a ceasefire more than a month ago. Trump said Monday the ceasefire was on life support after Iran rejected the latest U.S. proposal. On Tuesday he predicted Iran would ultimately make a deal and relinquish its enriched uranium.

“One hundred percent. They're going to stop. And they told me -- the Iranians tell me, and I deal with them. And they said that we're going to get the dust.”

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said Tuesday that Tehran would not accept the U.S. imposing its will and that talks required give and take. Experts said China is unlikely to support the core U.S. demand that Iran give up its nuclear program entirely. Beijing has instead called for calm, de-escalation and freedom of navigation in the strait.

Gas prices have climbed to $4.51 a gallon amid the Iran conflict, prompting Trump to propose a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax. Republicans in Congress said they would introduce legislation to enact the holiday. Trucking and construction trade groups voiced opposition, citing the need to fund transportation infrastructure.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, discussed the potential suspension amid rising fuel costs tied to the war. Lawmakers from both parties clashed over the merits of the proposal as the economic effects of the conflict ripple through energy markets.

The broader diplomatic picture includes U.S. efforts to secure Chinese pressure on Iran to adhere to any negotiated agreement on the strait. This includes commitments not to transfer weapons or targeting systems. Trump has alternated between saying he does not need Chinese help on Iran and acknowledging that Beijing could assist in reviving the ceasefire.

The conflict has also drawn down U.S. munitions stockpiles, with some estimates suggesting half of critical munitions such as Tomahawk missiles were used. Defense officials told lawmakers it would take months and years to replenish certain inventories.

This depletion could affect the balance of deterrence in other regions, including the Indo-Pacific.