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Drone strike triggers fire near UAE nuclear facility
The United Arab Emirates confirmed on Sunday that a drone attack sparked a fire near its Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, labeling the incident a "dangerous escalation" amid rising regional tensions.
Incident details and response
The UAE's defense ministry stated that three drones entered the country from the western border. While two were intercepted, the third struck an electrical generator outside the plant's inner perimeter, causing a fire. Authorities reported no injuries or radiological safety risks, and the plant continues to operate normally.
The UAE's foreign ministry condemned the attack as an "unacceptable act of aggression" and a violation of international law, asserting its right to respond to threats against its security.
Regional context and accusations
The source of the drones remains under investigation, though the UAE has previously accused Iran of targeting its energy infrastructure since regional hostilities escalated in February. Tehran has denied UAE allegations of direct involvement in attacks while accusing Gulf allies, including the UAE, of enabling U.S. operations from their territory.
On the same day, Saudi Arabia announced it had intercepted three drones entering its airspace from Iraq, further heightening concerns over cross-border strikes.
International reactions
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed "grave concern" over the incident, with Director General Rafael Grossi stating that "military activity threatening nuclear safety is unacceptable." The IAEA called for "maximum military restraint" in a statement shared on X.
Ceasefire under strain
Despite an April ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, sporadic clashes persist. U.S. President Donald Trump described the truce as being on "massive life support" on Monday, after rejecting Iran's demands to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz-a critical shipping route closed since the conflict began.
"The targeting of peaceful nuclear energy facilities is a flagrant violation of international law," the UAE foreign ministry said.
UAE Foreign Ministry
