The United Arab Emirates has accused Iran or its proxies of launching a drone that caused a fire near the Barakah nuclear power plant, describing the incident as a 'dangerous escalation'. The fire occurred outside the plant's inner perimeter, with no injuries or radiation leak reported.
The attack comes during a fragile ceasefire in the Iran war, which is now in its sixth week. Peace talks have stalled, and US President Donald Trump has warned Tehran that 'the clock is ticking', urging them to negotiate quickly or face consequences.
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan briefed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director general, Rafael Grossi, on the strike. Grossi expressed 'grave concern' and stated that any military activity threatening nuclear safety is unacceptable.
The UAE has previously retaliated against Iranian attacks on its oil infrastructure and has strengthened ties with Israel during the conflict. The defence ministry confirmed that three drones entered UAE airspace from the west, with one hitting an electrical generator near the plant.
Emirati presidential adviser Anwar Gargash directly blamed Iran or its proxies, calling the attack a violation of international law and a disregard for civilian lives. Regional ally Saudi Arabia condemned the strike.
