The United Arab Emirates reported a drone strike on Sunday that caused a fire near its nuclear power station, describing the incident as a “dangerous escalation”.
Incident Details
Officials are currently investigating the origin of the strike. The country’s defense ministry stated that three drones had entered the UAE from the “western border direction.” While two drones were intercepted, the third struck an electrical generator “outside the inner perimeter” of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, leading to a fire. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported, and there was no impact on radiological safety levels at the plant.
UAE’s Response
The UAE’s foreign ministry condemned the strike as an “unacceptable act of aggression” and affirmed its right to respond to any hostilities. It further emphasized that “the targeting of peaceful nuclear energy facilities is a flagrant violation of international law, the UN charter, and the principles of humanitarian law.” The defense ministry reiterated its commitment to “firmly confront any attempts to undermine the country’s security.”
International Reaction & Regional Context
Officials have not yet disclosed the launch point of the drone. The UAE has previously accused Iran of being behind attacks on its energy and economic infrastructure since the regional conflict began in February. Conversely, Iran has accused the UAE and other American allies in the Gulf of facilitating US attacks from their territory. The UAE has denied these Iranian claims. The Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed the fire in an electric generator and stated that precautionary measures were taken, with the plant operating normally. The UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is closely monitoring the situation. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed “grave concern” over the incident, stating that “military activity that threatens nuclear safety is unacceptable” and called for “maximum military restraint.” The broader regional tensions saw Tehran initiating strikes in retaliation to US and Israel’s actions against Iran on February 28. A ceasefire between the US and Iran was agreed upon in April, though sporadic exchanges of fire have persisted. President Donald Trump commented on Monday that the truce was on “massive life support” after rejecting Iran’s demands to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane effectively closed since the war’s commencement.
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