A drone strike ignited a fire at a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates, officials in Abu Dhabi confirmed on Sunday. The incident occurs as progress appears to have stalled in efforts to resolve the US-Israeli war with Iran and restore shipping in the Gulf.
Investigation and Response
Emirati officials reported that they are investigating the source of the strike and emphasized that the UAE retains the full right to respond to such "terrorist attacks." The UAE has previously accused Iran of targeting its energy infrastructure, describing it as an escalation of the regional conflict.
The Abu Dhabi media office stated that the drone struck an electrical generator located outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah nuclear power plant. Radiological safety levels remain unaffected, and there were no injuries reported.
International Monitoring
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that emergency diesel generators are providing power to the plant's "unit 3." The agency called for "maximum military restraint" near any nuclear power facility and stated that it is closely monitoring the situation. Barakah is the first and only nuclear power station in the Arab world.
The UAE defence ministry reported that two other drones were "successfully" neutralized, adding that the drones originated from the "western border." No further details were provided.
Official Condemnation
The UAE foreign ministry issued a statement condemning "in the strongest terms the unprovoked terrorist attack" and declared that the UAE "will not tolerate any threat to its security and sovereignty under any circumstances." The statement further noted that "these attacks constitute a dangerous escalation, an unacceptable act of aggression, and a direct threat to the country's security."
Regional Context
The war, which began with US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, has seen Iran repeatedly target the UAE and other Gulf states hosting US military bases. These attacks have hit civilian and energy infrastructure. The UAE has hosted air defences and personnel from Israel, which initiated the conflict by attacking Iran alongside the US on February 28. Meanwhile, Iranian state television aired segments with news anchors holding rifles, seemingly preparing the public for war.
The UAE defence ministry stated that three drones crossed the western border with Saudi Arabia, with two intercepted. Investigations into the launch origin are ongoing.
Barakah Nuclear Power Plant
The $20 billion Barakah nuclear power plant, built with assistance from South Korea, became operational in 2020. It is the only nuclear power plant in the Arab world and supplies a quarter of the UAE's energy needs. The UAE's nuclear regulator confirmed on X that the fire did not compromise plant safety and that "all units are operating as normal." The IAEA reported that the strike caused a fire in an electrical generator, and one reactor is currently powered by emergency diesel generators.
