Israeli and United Arab Emirates officials have held several secret meetings on their strategic positions regarding Iran and possible joint initiatives at international forums, Israel’s Channel 12 reported. The report, published on July 29, 2026, said the meetings took place in a third country whose identity was withheld for security reasons, during a period of rising tension between the United States and Iran.

According to Channel 12, Emirati officials voiced deep concern over a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran. They argued that such an arrangement could allow Iran to delay matters and gain economic benefits without making significant concessions. Western diplomats cited by the channel said the UAE has adopted a tougher stance on Iran than several other Gulf countries and believes Tehran’s current policies do not provide sufficient grounds for improving bilateral relations.

The discussions also covered possible coordinated diplomatic action internationally over Iran. Both sides agreed that any such move should be coordinated beforehand with President Donald Trump’s administration. Diplomats said Abu Dhabi does not trust Iranian tactics that delay negotiations, while alternative oil and gas export capacity bypassing the Strait of Hormuz has increased the overlap in Abu Dhabi’s and Tel Aviv’s strategic interests.