The United Arab Emirates has accused Iran or its proxies of launching a drone that caused a fire near the Barakah nuclear power plant, calling it a “dangerous escalation”. The incident occurred during the sixth week of a ceasefire in the Iran war, with peace talks stalled and US President Donald Trump voicing impatience.
The fire broke out just outside the plant but caused no injuries or radiation alerts, according to the UAE’s nuclear regulator. The regulator confirmed there was no radioactive leak or risk to the public. The UAE defence ministry said the drone was one of three that entered the country from the western border, hitting an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the plant.
President Trump wrote on Truth Social: “For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!” According to Axios, Trump met national security advisers on Saturday and is due to meet his team again on Tuesday to discuss options. He also spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of an Israeli security cabinet meeting.
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan held talks with regional states, including Saudi Arabia, which condemned the attack. He also informed IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi of the details, stating the UAE had the full right to respond to such “terrorist attacks”. Grossi expressed “grave concern” and said military activity threatening nuclear safety is unacceptable.
Emirati presidential adviser Anwar Gargash made clear he believed Iran or a regional proxy was responsible, writing on X: “The terrorist targeting of the Barakah clean nuclear power plant, whether carried out by the principal perpetrator or through one of its agents, represents a dangerous escalation.” He called it a “dark scene that violates all international laws and norms”.
