Drone strike sparks fire at UAE's Barakah Nuclear Plant

Updated 17 May, 2026 06:33pm 1 min read
Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. -- Image courtesy X
Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. -- Image courtesy X

A drone strike caused a fire at a nuclear power plant in the United ​Arab Emirates, officials in Abu Dhabi said on Sunday, at a time when progress appears to have stalled in ‌efforts to end the US-Israeli war with Iran and restart shipping in the Gulf.

Emirati officials did not attribute blame for the attack, and there were no immediate claims of responsibility. The UAE has previously accused Iran of attacking its energy targets in what it has called an escalation of the conflict in ​the region.

The drone hit an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, the Abu Dhabi ​Media Office said. Radiological safety levels and operations were unaffected, and there were no injuries, it ⁠said.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said it was following the situation closely.

During the war that began with US and Israeli strikes against Iran ​on February 28, Iran has repeatedly targeted the UAE and other Gulf states that host US military bases, hitting sites that include ​civilian and energy infrastructure.

Iran stepped up such attacks on the UAE earlier this month after US President Donald Trump announced a naval mission to try to open the Strait of Hormuz, which Trump suspended after 48 hours.

For the latest news, follow us on Twitter @Aaj_Urdu. We are also on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.