The drones that struck the United Arab Emirates’ Barakah Nuclear Power Plant originated from Iraqi territory, the UAE Defense Ministry said Tuesday, suggesting that Iran-backed Shiite militias in Iraq were likely behind the attack, according to the Associated Press.
No group has claimed responsibility for the strike, which damaged a generator on the perimeter of the plant. Emirati officials said there were no injuries and no radioactive leaks.
At an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, Rafael Grossi warned of the risks posed by attacks on operational nuclear facilities.
“In case of an attack on the Barakah nuclear power plant, a direct hit could result in a very high rate of radioactivity to the environment,” Grossi said.
The UAE has accused Iran of launching drone and missile attacks even after a ceasefire with the United States began on April 8.
US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he was prepared to give Iran a few more days to make progress in negotiations before considering renewed military strikes.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments. According to maritime data firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence, ship traffic through the strait more than doubled last week, although it remains well below prewar levels.
In Iraq, government spokesman Bassem al-Awadi condemned the drone attacks on the UAE and called for regional and international cooperation to prevent further escalation.
Saudi Arabia said it intercepted three drones that had entered its airspace from Iraq.
The $20 billion Barakah facility, developed with support from South Korea, began operations in 2020 and is the only nuclear power plant in the Arab world. It supplies roughly one-quarter of the UAE’s electricity needs.
Senior Emirati diplomat Anwar Gargash criticised what he described as ambiguous responses from regional countries to the attacks, writing on X that “the victim’s role has merged with that of the mediator.”
