How Iran is bringing regional powers together

A series of high-level meetings involving Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia has drawn renewed attention to the evolving security and diplomatic landscape in the Middle East. Within days, Israeli Prime Minister (PM) Benjamin Netanyahu made a previously undisclosed visit to Abu Dhabi to meet UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, while UAE Vice President (VP) Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan travelled to Riyadh for talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman.

Although each meeting had its own bilateral agenda, both took place in light of heightened regional tensions, continuing security challenges, and the aftermath of the recent regional conflict involving Iran.

Netanyahu’s visit to the UAE

Netanyahu paid a confidential visit to the UAE on 27 September 2026, meeting Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi before returning to Israel. The trip was initially kept out of the public eye and was only confirmed after reports emerged in Israeli media. Both the Emirati and Israeli governments later acknowledged the visit, stating that discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing shared regional challenges.

According to Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli delegation included several senior security officials, including the head of the Mossad, the National Security Council chief, and senior foreign policy advisers, underscoring the security dimension of the discussions.

The visit attracted additional attention because it followed weeks of debate in Israel over media reports alleging that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed had warned Netanyahu of a possible attack before Hamas’ 7 October. Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that Netanyahu sought an Emirati denial of those reports during the meeting. The prime minister’s office rejected the claim, insisting that the visit focused exclusively on bilateral relations and regional issues and denying that any such request had been made.

For its part, the UAE has neither confirmed nor denied the specific allegations surrounding the reported warning. It has instead reiterated that communication channels between the two countries remain open and that intelligence cooperation continues through the appropriate institutional mechanisms when necessary.

The visit also generated controversy inside Israel after details of the trip were leaked before Netanyahu’s return. Israeli authorities stated that the disclosure posed security risks to the prime minister and the accompanying delegation, prompting the Shin Bet security service to file a complaint with military censorship authorities regarding the publication of the information.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE move to reinforce bilateral coordination

Only days after Netanyahu’s visit, senior Emirati and Saudi officials also held high-level talks in Riyadh.

UAE VP Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed travelled to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. During the visit, Sheikh Mansour met both Prince Khalid and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss bilateral relations, regional developments, and ways to strengthen cooperation between the two Gulf states. Official statements described the discussions as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce coordination and advance common interests.

The meeting marked the first publicly announced visit by a senior Emirati leader since relations between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi experienced strains over differences in regional policies, particularly regarding Yemen. Despite those disagreements, recent diplomatic contacts have indicated efforts by both governments to rebuild coordination as regional security concerns continue to evolve.

The talks came as Saudi Arabia continues to face security challenges linked to attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement, which have targeted Saudi territory, energy infrastructure, and maritime routes. The changing security environment has increased the importance of consultation and coordination among Gulf partners despite previous policy differences.

Iranian threats drive regional cooperation and strategic partnerships

Although the Israeli-Emirati and Saudi-Emirati meetings addressed different bilateral agendas, both occurred within the broader context of a rapidly changing regional security environment shaped by Iran’s regional policies and the consequences of the recent regional war (including the Houthi attacks).

Over the past several years, Iran’s ballistic missile program, expanding drone capabilities, and support for allied non-state armed groups across the Middle East (including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen) have remained central security concerns for a number of regional governments. These developments have been accompanied by repeated attacks targeting shipping routes, energy infrastructure, and strategic facilities throughout the region.

The recent regional conflict further reinforced these concerns. While Gulf states continue to pursue diplomatic engagement with Tehran through various channels, the war also highlighted the vulnerabilities facing regional infrastructure, maritime trade, and national security. As a result, governments across the region have expanded security consultations with partners facing similar threats from Iran and its regional allies.

Israel has consistently identified Iran’s nuclear program, missile capabilities, and regional network of allied armed groups as its principal strategic challenge. The UAE and Saudi Arabia have similarly expressed concerns over the security implications of attacks by Iran-backed actors, particularly those affecting Gulf stability and international shipping such as the Houthis. Earlier this year, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi stated that “the continuation of these terrorist assaults constitutes a direct threat to regional peace and security, undermining international efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and consolidating security and stability.” Although Abu Dhabi and Riyadh continue to maintain diplomatic relations and communication channels with Tehran, both have also strengthened coordination with regional and international partners on issues related to defense, intelligence sharing, maritime security, and regional stability.

This reflects overlapping security interests among states seeking to protect critical infrastructure, ensure freedom of navigation, reduce regional instability, and prepare coordinated responses to evolving security risks. It also indicates how concerns related to Iran’s regional policies has encouraged greater consultation among regional actors to effectively address them.