International nuclear safety officials are condemning a drone attack that sparked a fire near a nuclear power facility in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday morning.
The International Atomic Energy Agency announced on social media that UAE authorities reported radiation levels at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant remained within normal ranges following the incident. No personnel were injured when the drone strike ignited a fire in an electrical generator positioned beyond the facility’s inner security boundary.
According to the agency’s statement: “The IAEA has been informed by the UAE that radiation levels at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant ( NPP) remain normal and no injuries were reported after a drone strike this morning caused a fire in an electrical generator located outside the inner site perimeter of the NPP.”
Emergency backup diesel generators have taken over electrical supply for the plant’s third unit while officials assess the damage. The IAEA confirmed it maintains ongoing communication with UAE officials and stands ready to offer support if requested.
“Emergency diesel generators are currently providing power to the NPP’s unit 3. The IAEA is following the situation closely and is in constant contact with the UAE authorities, ready to provide assistance if needed,” the agency stated.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi voiced serious alarm about the attack, declaring that any military operations that endanger nuclear facilities are completely unacceptable. The director general renewed his appeal for armed forces to exercise extreme caution around nuclear installations to prevent potential atomic accidents.
This attack occurred following Iran’s massive assault on the United Arab Emirates involving thousands of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones during recent hostilities. The Iranian offensive targeted both the Al Dhafra Air Base and various civilian and energy facilities throughout the UAE.
Political developments are also unfolding as President Donald Trump reportedly weighs additional military responses against Iran after completing diplomatic talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Trump was scheduled to hold discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday.
Speaking Sunday morning, Netanyahu stated: “Our eyes are also open regarding Iran. I will speak today, as I do every few days, with our friend President Trump.”
“I will certainly hear impressions from his trip to China, and perhaps other matters as well. There are certainly many possibilities, and we are prepared for every scenario,” Netanyahu added.
