Drone Strike Hits UAE Nuclear Plant Amid Rising Iran Tensions

A drone strike sparked a fire on the perimeter of the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday, according to multiple reports. The attack caused minor damage but no injuries or radiological release were reported.

The UAE's Defense Ministry confirmed that two drones were intercepted while a third struck an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the plant. Emirati officials stated they were investigating the source of the strike and claimed the right to respond to such 'terrorist attacks'. According to TimesLIVE, Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting three drones entering from Iraqi airspace.

The incident occurred amid heightened tensions between Iran and Gulf states, including the UAE. U.S. President Donald Trump posted on social media: 'For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won't be anything left of them.' This warning came as oil prices rose sharply, with Brent crude reaching $111.28 and US-traded oil at $107.87.

The drone strike has raised concerns about the safety of nuclear facilities in conflict zones. Rafael Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, stated that 'military activity that threatens nuclear safety is unacceptable.' The UAE blamed Iran or its proxies for the attack, according to The Guardian and Los Angeles Times.

The incident comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed he secretly visited the UAE during the US-Israel war on Iran. According to CBS News and Reuters, Netanyahu met with President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Al-Ain near the Oman border on March 26. However, the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied any secret visits or arrangements, stating that relations are public and based on the Abraham Accords.

The visit comes amid reports from Reuters and The Guardian that Mossad Chief David Barnea made at least two visits to the UAE during the war with Iran to coordinate military actions. Additionally, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee confirmed that Israel had sent Iron Dome air-defense batteries and personnel to operate them in the UAE.

The BRICS alliance failed to issue a joint statement after their two-day meeting in India due to internal divisions over the Iran war. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged BRICS member states to condemn what he described as violations of international law by the United States and Israel, according to Al Jazeera.

The UAE and India signed pacts on defense, energy, and shipping during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Gulf state. The strategic defense partnership includes collaboration on innovation, advanced technology, training, exercises, maritime security, cyber defense, secure communications, and information exchange.