Netanyahu shared new intelligence on Iran’s nuclear ambitions with UAE leader, source says

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showed UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed new Israeli intelligence indicating Iran is resuming progress on its nuclear program during a visit to the country on Sunday, an Israeli source with knowledge of the meeting told wnn.

Among the information shared by Netanyahu were details of new construction at the Pickaxe mountain site — about 140 miles south of the capital Tehran — seen as a key location for possible Iranian efforts to rebuild its nuclear program.

On Sunday, an Israeli source familiar with the visit told WNN that the unannounced meeting was dominated by discussion of Iran, an arena where the two countries have deepened their cooperation, including during the current Iran war.

WAM, the UAE’s state news agency, confirmed that Sheikh Mohammed and Netanyahu held a meeting in the country, marking the first time the Emiratis publicly acknowledged a visit by Netanyahu.

The two leaders “discussed bilateral relations between the UAE and Israel and ways to strengthen and further develop them,” WAM reported.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s office said that the meeting focused on “strengthening relations between the two countries and regional challenges.”

The visit included Netanyahu’s wife, the head of the National Security Council, the head of the Mossad, a military secretary, and a political adviser, the office said.

According to one source, the talks also discussed recent regional developments, including the Houthi militia in Yemen, the vital Bab al-Mandeb waterway at the mouth of the Red Sea, as well as the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi officials have denied anyone attended the meeting.

‘Hostile states’

Netanyahu has repeatedly denied receiving any warning and has dismissed the reports as fabricated lies meant to damage him electorally.

“I never met or spoke to the Egyptian intel chief before Oct. 7, no warning was conveyed to me,” the prime minister posted on X on Monday. “Foreign and hostile states and actors including Arab states are behind the false blood libels.”

But his rivals have used the allegations to make accountability for the failure to prevent the October 7, 2023, attack a central campaign issue.

After initial reports of a warning from Sheikh Mohammed, the UAE’s Foreign Ministry said earlier this month that it “does not comment on media stories or speculation regarding conversations between government leaders,” but it did not deny the call. “When necessary, all relevant intelligence has been and continues to be communicated between the relevant entities,” the statement said.