Officials of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said a drone attack caused a fire at the Barakah nuclear power plant, amid efforts to end the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran remaining deadlocked.
According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, the UAV hit an generator located outside the security belt inside the factory. Authorities affirmed that the level of radiation safety and operation of the facility were not affected, and no casualties were recorded.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it is closely monitoring the situation.
UAE officials do not blame any party. However, Abu Dhabi previously accused Iran of targeting its energy targets during the escalating regional conflict.
Since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, Tehran has repeatedly attacked the UAE and Gulf countries with US military bases, targeting both civilian and energy infrastructure.
Iran intensifies attacks on the UAE after US President Donald Trump announced a naval operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, although this operation was suspended after 48 hours.
More than 5 weeks after the fragile ceasefire took effect, the US and Iran are still deeply disagreeing. Washington demands that Tehran lift its nuclear program and end control of the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran demands war reparations, end the blockade of Iranian ports and stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
Iranian armed forces spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi warned that the US would face "unexpected and drastic scenarios" if Mr. Trump made new threats.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei accused the US and Israel of destabilizing the energy market after military actions against Iran.
The disruption of transportation through the Strait of Hormuz has caused an unprecedented major oil supply crisis, causing energy prices to rise sharply. Chairman of the National Security Committee of the Iranian Parliament Ebrahim Azizi said Tehran has prepared a management mechanism for traffic through the strait and will announce it soon.
