ABU DHABI — A drone strike sparked a fire at an electrical generator outside the perimeter of the UAE's Barakah Nuclear Power Plant on Sunday, officials said, with no injuries reported and no impact on radiation levels or plant operations.
The Abu Dhabi Media Office said the strike hit a generator outside the inner perimeter of the facility in the Al Dhafra region, about 225 kilometers (140 miles) west of Abu Dhabi. UAE authorities said air defenses successfully dealt with two other drones launched from the western border.
The UAE's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation confirmed that all units at the plant continued operating normally and that radiological safety levels remained unaffected. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that emergency diesel generators were providing power to unit 3 and that it was monitoring the situation.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, and UAE officials said they were investigating its source. A diplomatic adviser to the UAE president described the incident as a "dangerous escalation," whether carried out by a principal perpetrator or proxies.
The Barakah plant is the first nuclear power station on the Arabian Peninsula and consists of multiple units built with South Korean technology. It began commercial operations in recent years and supplies electricity to the UAE grid.
The strike occurred amid heightened regional tensions linked to the broader Iran conflict. Hostilities began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets on Feb. 28. A tenuous ceasefire took effect in April, but diplomatic efforts to fully resolve the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz have stalled.
UAE officials have previously reported Iranian-linked attacks on its territory since the conflict escalated, including incidents in Fujairah. Iran has warned that countries hosting U.S. military bases could face retaliation.
Qatar and Saudi Arabia condemned the attack on the nuclear facility, calling it a threat to regional security and stability. Saudi Arabia separately reported intercepting three drones that entered from Iraqi airspace on Sunday.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed grave concern over the incident and reiterated that military activity near nuclear facilities is unacceptable.
As of Monday, the UAE had not announced any specific retaliatory measures. Officials said investigations were ongoing.
The incident comes as U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran that "the clock is ticking" on reaching a deal, while Iranian officials signaled readiness for further responses if pressured.
No details were immediately available on the type of drone involved or the extent of damage to the generator beyond the initial fire, which was contained.
