(SeaPRwire) –   The U.S.-brokered alliance aimed at countering Iran in the Middle East is experiencing strain amid rising tensions between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, according to an analyst, as the risk of a wider conflict with Tehran grows on Sunday.

Disagreements first emerged on May 13 after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office claimed he had a “historic breakthrough” meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a “secret visit” to Al Ain near the Oman border.

In response, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly denied the report.

The ministry stated, “Our relations with Israel are public and were established under the framework of the well-known and publicly announced Abraham Accords. These relations do not rely on secrecy or covert arrangements.”

It further added, “Therefore, any claims about undisclosed visits or secret deals are unfounded unless officially issued by the relevant UAE authorities.”

“The stakes are high,” Middle East Institute analyst Natan Sachs told Digital.

“I expect the Israelis are working hard to repair ties with the UAE, but it’s still too early to assess the situation,” he said.

President Donald Trump spoke with Netanyahu on Sunday amid escalating tensions over Iran, with the Israeli leader stating he was “ready for every scenario.”

The leaders discussed the possibility of restarting hostilities with Iran, as well as Trump’s recent trip to China, according to the Times of Israel.

Sachs, a senior fellow at the institute, described Netanyahu’s claim of the UAE meeting as “a diplomatic blunder because it embarrasses the UAE.”

“This was an unusual move, especially since the UAE has been a close partner of Israel, even during this war,” Sachs said.

“Either Netanyahu acted without thinking, or he may have been focused on something else — possibly domestic politics. This wouldn’t be the first time he did so.”

“If Emirati anger is genuine, it would mean efforts are needed to maintain trust with their Gulf Arab ally,” Sachs added.

“I also can’t rule out that the UAE is upset about the leak itself, which could be seen as a breach of trust — a matter of great importance to Emirati leadership.”

The Abraham Accords, brokered by the United States in 2020, reshaped the regional landscape by normalizing relations between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.

Security cooperation has significantly expanded since then due to shared concerns over Iran’s military ambitions.

That alliance was tested when Iran launched attacks on UAE military and energy facilities during Operation Epic Fury.

Israel reportedly deployed Iron Dome air-defense systems and personnel to the UAE, according to U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. The UAE confirmed on Sunday that it had intercepted three drones approaching from the west.

“The UAE bore much of the brunt from Iran. It is the most vulnerable to Iranian short-range missiles, which are more numerous and affordable than the medium-range missiles fired at Israel,” Sachs said.

“While short-range missiles can be intercepted, Iran possesses far greater quantities. The UAE suffered the heaviest impact, yet it distinguished itself by firmly upholding its policy of open partnership with Israel.”

“But the public revelation that Netanyahu himself made the visit may have crossed a line,” Sachs concluded.