A drone strike has caused a fire at a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates, according to officials, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions linked to the ongoing Iran-related conflict.
Emirati authorities confirmed on Sunday that the incident is under investigation and stated that the UAE reserves the right to respond to what it described as “terrorist attacks.” A diplomatic adviser to the UAE President said the incident represents a dangerous escalation, regardless of whether it was carried out by “the principal perpetrator” or its proxies.
The UAE Ministry of Defence said two additional drones were successfully intercepted and that the aerial devices were launched from the country’s western border region, though further details were not provided.
The strike reportedly hit an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. Officials said there were no injuries and no release of radioactive material.
Radiological safety levels remained stable, according to the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, which also confirmed that the facility continued operating safely following the incident.
The International Atomic Energy Agency said emergency diesel generators were supplying power to Unit 3 of the plant and called for maximum military restraint near nuclear facilities while it monitors the situation closely.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia reported intercepting three drones entering its airspace from Iraq. Authorities warned that they would take necessary operational measures to protect national sovereignty and security.
The Saudi defence ministry said the intercepted drones were neutralised before reaching their targets, underscoring heightened regional alert levels.
Although hostilities have eased since a ceasefire in April, drone activity originating from Iraq has continued to target Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
Analysts say the latest incidents signal a fragile security environment across the Gulf, particularly as tensions linked to the Iran conflict persist.
The renewed escalation comes as U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Iran must act quickly to revive stalled diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the wider conflict involving Israel and its allies.
Iran has previously been accused of targeting Gulf states hosting U.S. military bases during the ongoing conflict, though Tehran has repeatedly denied direct involvement in some regional drone attacks.
Security experts caution that continued strikes on critical infrastructure, especially nuclear-related facilities, could significantly raise the risk of broader regional instability if not contained.
