United Arab Emirates denied claims that Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret visit during the Iran conflict. (File Photo)

The United Arab Emirates has denied reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had made a secret visit to the Gulf nation during the recent Israel-US war with Iran, even as Israel claimed the trip marked a “historic breakthrough” in ties between the two countries.

In a statement, Netanyahu’s office said he had met UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the war, describing the talks as a step that further strengthened relations established under the 2020 Abraham Accords.

However, the UAE’s state-run WAM news agency rejected the claim, saying the country’s ties with Israel were “public and conducted within the framework of the well-known and officially declared Abraham Accords” and not based on “non-transparent or unofficial arrangements”.

WAM also denied reports that an Israeli military delegation had been received in the UAE.

The Israeli statement came a day after…