17.05.2026 14:30
A fire broke out in an electrical generator after a drone attack near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, UAE. According to the Associated Press, the attack marks the first time the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant has been directly targeted during the conflict with Iran. International media previously reported that Iran's Revolutionary Guard had threatened to target energy facilities in the Gulf if the US strikes Iranian infrastructure.
Tensions have risen again in the region after a drone attack near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. According to reports in the foreign press, the attack has increased concerns that the Iran-UAE tension could turn into a hot conflict again.
The Abu Dhabi Media Office announced that a fire broke out in an electric generator located outside the internal security perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra region after a drone attack. Officials stated that there were no injuries and that radiation safety was not affected.
DETAIL: "TARGETED FOR THE FIRST TIME"
According to the Associated Press, the attack marks the first time the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant has been directly targeted in the context of the Iran conflict. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The Barakah Plant is the first nuclear power plant on the Arabian Peninsula. The facility, consisting of four reactors, meets approximately 25% of the UAE's electricity needs.
IRAN HAD PREVIOUSLY OPENLY THREATENED
In previously published reports in the foreign press, it was stated that Iran's Revolutionary Guard had threatened to strike energy facilities in the Gulf if the US targeted Iranian infrastructure. Iranian media had indicated that the Barakah Nuclear Plant was among potential targets. Some reports published in March also claimed that groups close to Iran had threatened to target the Barakah facility.
GROWING FEAR OF WAR IN THE GULF
According to a report by The Guardian, tensions between the UAE and Iran have increased significantly recently. The newspaper wrote that following allegations of the UAE's role in covert operations against Iran, the risk of Gulf countries being drawn directly into war has risen. It is stated that in recent months, Iran has carried out numerous missile and drone attacks against the UAE, with air defense systems preventing hundreds of attacks.
STATEMENT: "SYSTEMS OPERATING NORMALLY"
The UAE Federal Nuclear Regulatory Authority stated that the fire did not affect the plant's safety and that all reactors continue to operate normally. Officials warned the public to follow only statements made by official sources.