US-brokered Israel-UAE alliance shows strain as Iran tensions escalate
Drone attacked the generator at the nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates
Chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst reported that a drone attack was carried out on a nuclear power plant in the UAE as President Donald Trump was preparing to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at a time when negotiations with Iran had stalled.
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The U.S.-brokered alliance designed to counter Iran in the Middle East is showing signs of strain amid tensions between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, an analyst says, as the prospect of a broader conflict with Tehran intensifies on Sunday.
The friction first emerged on May 13 after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that it had held a “historic breakthrough” meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a “secret visit” to Al Ain, near the border with Oman.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a swift denial following the announcement.
The Ministry said, “Their relations with Israel are public and established within the framework of the Abraham Accords, which are known and announced to the public. These relations are not based on secrecy or secret agreements.”
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President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are reportedly in close contact several times a week during the ongoing multi-front wars with Gaza and Iran. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
“Therefore, any allegations of undisclosed visits or arrangements are unfounded unless published by the relevant official authorities in the UAE.” he added.
Middle East Institute analyst says ‘risks are high’ Nathan Sachs he told Fox News Digital.
“I think the Israelis are working overtime to repair relations with the UAE, but it’s too early to tell,” he said.
President Donald Trump met with Netanyahu on Sunday amid rising tensions over Iran, and the Israeli leader said he was “prepared for any scenario.”
According to the Times of Israel, the leaders also discussed Trump’s recent visit to China, as well as the possibility of a renewal of the war with Iran.
Sachs, a senior member of the instituteHe said Netanyahu’s claim of a UAE meeting “seems to be a diplomatic mistake because it embarrasses the UAE.”
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, and United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan join President Trump for the Abraham Accords signing ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House on September 15, 2020 in Washington. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
“This was a strange move since the UAE was a close partner of Israel even during this war,” Sachs said. he said.
“Netanyahu was either not thinking, or he was thinking about something else: domestic politics. This wasn’t the first time he had done this.”
“To the extent that Emirati anger is real, it would mean working to maintain trust with its Gulf Arab allies,” Sachs said. he added.
“I also cannot ignore Emirati anger over the leak, which could be seen as a breach of trust, something that is very important for the Emirati leadership.”
The Abraham Accords, brokered by the United States in 2020, fundamentally changed the regional balance by normalizing relations between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan.
Security cooperation has expanded significantly since then due to shared concerns about Iran’s military objectives.
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Foreign workers watch a towering cloud of black smoke rising after an explosion in the industrial zone of Fujairah on March 3, 2026. Iran’s attacks on its Gulf neighbors since February 28, following the US-Israeli attack, have forced the UAE to close its airspace, disrupting travel to the region. (Fadel Senna/AFP via Getty Images)
This alliance was tested when Iran launched an attack on the UAE’s military and energy infrastructure during Operation Epic Rage.
Israel is said to have deployed Iron Dome air defense systems and personnel in the UAE, according to US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. The UAE confirmed on Sunday that it had intercepted three drones coming from the west.
“The UAE has taken most of the fire from Iran. It is most vulnerable to Iran’s short-range missiles, which are more abundant and cheaper than the medium-range missiles fired at Israel,” Sachs said. he said.
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“While short-range missiles can be intercepted, Iran has many more of them. The UAE took the most hits, but stood out by most clearly adhering to its open partnership strategy with Israel.”
“But the public statement made by Netanyahu could be seen as a step too far,” Sachs added.
