Defence Ministry: Drone Strike on Barakah Plant Launched from Iraqi Territory

The United Arab Emirates has confirmed that a drone strike targeting the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant on Sunday was launched from Iraqi territory, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. The Ministry of Defence stated that two additional drones intercepted by air defence systems on the same day also originated from Iraq.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the ministry revealed that the UAE had dealt with six drones over the past 48 hours, none of which caused injuries or impacted the safety of critical infrastructure. The strike resulted in a fire at an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah plant in the Al Dhafra region, but authorities confirmed that radiological safety levels remained unaffected, and all units continued operating normally.

The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation reassured the public that the fire posed no threat to the plant’s safety or essential systems. However, the incident has raised alarms about the vulnerability of nuclear infrastructure in conflict zones.

UAE Reserves Right to Protect Sovereignty

The Ministry of Defence emphasized that the UAE “reserves its right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty”, though it did not specify potential responses. The government has launched an investigation into the source of the attack, though no group or state has yet been officially blamed.

While the UAE did not directly accuse Iran, the timing of the strike aligns with a series of attacks on Gulf states by Iran-backed militias since the escalation of the Israel-Hamas war in February. A group calling itself the Islamic Resistance in Iraq has claimed responsibility for similar attacks, expressing solidarity with Tehran.

Iraq Denies Involvement, Condemns Attacks

The Iraqi government, in a statement on Monday, denounced the drone strikes and reiterated its commitment to “constructive cooperation” with the UAE. However, it denied any involvement, stating that its monitoring systems had not detected the attacks.

The new Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi, faces growing pressure from the US to curb Iran-backed militias operating within its borders. Some of these groups are integrated into Iraq’s security apparatus under the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF).

International Condemnation and Rising Tensions

The attack has drawn global condemnation, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressing deep alarm over the strike. Leaders across the Middle East and beyond have voiced solidarity with the UAE, warning of the dangerous implications of targeting nuclear facilities.

• Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, labelled the strike a “terrorist attack” on a peaceful energy project.
• India described it as a “dangerous escalation” and urged immediate restraint and diplomacy.
• Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the attack on X (formerly Twitter), aligning with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in calling for de-escalation.
• US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz called the strike “outrageous and unacceptable.”
• Pakistan, which has mediated talks between the US and Iran, condemned the attack and pledged solidarity with the UAE.

A Pattern of Escalation

This incident follows a conditional ceasefire between the US and Iran in April, which temporarily halted hostilities. However, Tehran resumed strikes on the UAE this month, raising concerns about a renewed cycle of violence in the region.

The Barakah plant, the first nuclear power plant in the Arab world, has never before been targeted in the ongoing regional conflict. While no casualties or radiation leaks have been reported, the attack underscores the growing risks of strikes on nuclear infrastructure in volatile geopolitical climates.

Authorities have not indicated whether further attacks are expected, but the UAE’s measured response suggests a cautious approach as investigations continue. For now, the focus remains on regional stability and preventing further escalation.