Araqchi warns ‘Israel-linked conspirators’ of accountability as UAE denies Netanyahu visit

TEHRAN/DUBAI: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has warned that those collaborating with Israel against Iran would be held accountable, while the United Arab Emirates rejected media reports claiming an unannounced visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the Iran conflict.

Araqchi said that anyone aligning with “enemy forces” against Iran would face consequences, calling cooperation with Israel against Tehran an “unforgivable act”.

“Creating hostility against Iran in coordination with Israel is an unforgivable gamble, and those standing with enemy powers must answer for their actions,” Araqchi said in a statement.

He also criticised the United States, saying Washington’s “threat-based and pressure-driven approach” remained the biggest obstacle to peace efforts in the region.

Araqchi added that Iran supported regional stability and dialogue but would not compromise on national security or sovereignty.

Meanwhile, the UAE foreign ministry denied reports that Netanyahu had visited the country or met its leadership during the Iran conflict, dismissing the claims as baseless.

“The UAE affirms that no such visit or meetings took place,” the ministry said in a post on X, adding that relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords were transparent and did not include any secret engagements.

The denial comes after media reports suggested Netanyahu had made a covert visit during the Iran war and held high-level discussions with Emirati officials, including on security cooperation and regional tensions.

Israeli authorities had earlier described the reported engagement as a significant development in bilateral relations. The reports also claimed expanded defence and intelligence cooperation between Israel and the UAE during the conflict, including discussions on missile defence systems.

However, the UAE reiterated that such claims were “rumours” and urged media outlets to verify information before publication.

The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, normalised relations between Israel and the UAE, making it the first Gulf state to establish formal diplomatic, commercial and security ties with Israel.