The ice is melting: the Emirates and Iran begin to draw closer again

Israel detects initial signs of a thaw between Abu Dhabi and Tehran, led by the resumption of Flydubai and Emirates flights in Iranian airspace for the first time in months. Informed sources attribute significance beyond the aviation aspect, viewing it as an attempt to gradually restore channels of contact. Meanwhile, Israel stresses that security cooperation with the Emirates reached an unprecedented level during the war, including the transfer of the Iron Dome system and Israeli assistance in its operation.

Israel detects initial signs of a thaw between Abu Dhabi and Tehran, led by the resumption of Flydubai and Emirates flights in Iranian airspace for the first time in months. Sources familiar with Israel-UAE relations attribute significance beyond the aviation aspect, as commercial traffic in Iranian airspace cannot resume without Tehran's consent. In recent days, movement of Emirati presidential aircraft linked to Iran has also been detected. The development comes as the conflict between the Emirates and Iran is still far from over. Within less than a week, three vessels linked to ADNOC were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, and the Emirates demand that Tehran reopen the shipping lane. The Emirates have absorbed barrages of Iranian missiles and drones, and Dubai airport has been disrupted repeatedly. Israel stresses that security cooperation with the Emirates reached an unprecedented level during the war, including the transfer of the Iron Dome system and Israeli assistance in its operation. A senior Emirati official said the Israeli aid "will not be forgotten." In Abu Dhabi, they are warily watching the defense agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, and view ties with Israel and the US as a strategic asset.