The United Arab Emirates has strongly denied reports claiming that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the Gulf state during the recent conflict involving Iran.

In an official statement posted on X, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said allegations regarding undeclared visits by the Israeli premier were “baseless” and did not reflect reality. The ministry stressed that relations between the UAE and Israel are public and transparent under the Abraham Accords signed in 2020.

The statement added that ties with Israel are not based on secrecy and dismissed claims of any hidden meetings or confidential diplomatic activity.

The denial came after the Israeli prime minister’s office reportedly revealed that Netanyahu had secretly traveled to the UAE during tensions with Iran. Israeli media claimed that Netanyahu met UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the city of Al Ain near the Oman border. Reports suggested the meeting lasted several hours and marked a major step forward in relations between the two countries.

The reports triggered a sharp reaction from Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that those cooperating with Israel against Tehran would be held accountable. He described any alliance with Israel against Iran as an “unforgivable” act and claimed Iranian intelligence agencies had already informed the leadership about the matter long before it became public.

The UAE and Israel established formal diplomatic ties under the Abraham Accords brokered in 2020.