Also read: New Delhi: Following the Iranian strikes targeting the Barakah nuclear facility in the UAE, the External Affairs Ministry on Sunday expressed deep concern and described the attack as a “dangerous escalation” amid rising tensions in the Gulf. The strike caused a fire at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi.
Emirati officials said the attack hit an electrical generator outside the plant’s inner perimeter, although there were no injuries or radiological leakage. Officials confirmed that security systems were intact and all units were operating normally. The attack has raised concerns over the fragile armistice between Iran, Israel and the United States, with diplomatic efforts also appearing strained.
The UAE accused those behind the attack of carrying out an “unprovoked terrorist attack” and warned that it would not tolerate threats to its sovereignty. The UAE Foreign Ministry said, “These attacks are a dangerous escalation, an unacceptable act of aggression and a direct threat to the country’s security. ” The International Atomic Energy Agency said emergency diesel generators were supplying power to one of the reactors after a fire broke out near the facility following the strike.
The UN nuclear watchdog urged “maximum military restraint” around nuclear sites and said it was closely monitoring developments. The UAE Defense Ministry said three drones had entered its airspace from its western border with Saudi Arabia, adding that two were intercepted before reaching their targets. Authorities have not officially blamed any countries, although the UAE has previously accused Iran and allied groups of targeting energy infrastructure in the Gulf during the ongoing conflict.
The $20 billion Barakah plant, built with South Korean aid and scheduled to become operational in 2020, is the Arab world’s only nuclear power station and meets about a quarter of the UAE’s electricity needs. The latest strike comes as rhetoric continues to escalate between Tehran, Washington and Tel Aviv.
US President Donald Trump warned Iran that “time is running out”, while Iranian officials insisted their forces were ready, despite diplomatic channels remaining open.