"New intelligence on Iran's nuclear program presented": Additional details from Netanyahu-Bin Zayed meeting
Prime Minister Netanyahu presented to UAE President Bin Zayed new and concerning intelligence about renewed activity in Iran's nuclear program, including new construction at the Mount Pike site. The meeting was publicly confirmed by the UAE for the first time, and focused on bilateral relations and regional challenges.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed new intelligence indicating that Iran is renewing its nuclear program activities, as reported by CNN. Among the information shared by Netanyahu were details of new construction at the Mount Pike site, about 225 kilometers south of Tehran, considered a key location for potential Iranian efforts to rebuild the nuclear program. An Israeli source familiar with the visit told CNN that the main topic of the surprise meeting was Iran, an arena where the two countries have deepened their cooperation, including during the last round of fighting. The UAE's state news agency WAM confirmed that Sheikh Mohammed and Netanyahu held a meeting in the country, marking the first time the UAE publicly acknowledged Netanyahu's visit. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them. The Prime Minister's Office also stated that the meeting focused on strengthening ties between the two countries and regional challenges. The visit included Netanyahu's wife, the head of the National Security Council, the Mossad chief, the military secretary, and an additional political advisor. A senior Saudi security official also attended the meeting. The talks also focused on recent regional developments, including the Houthi militia in Yemen, the vital Bab el-Mandeb waterway, and the Strait of Hormuz. The surprise visit took place exactly one month before the elections, against the backdrop of reports that Bin Zayed warned Netanyahu about a major Hamas operation before October 7.