NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs expressed deep concern on Sunday following Iranian strikes that targeted the Barakah nuclear facility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The ministry labeled the attack a “dangerous escalation” amid increasing tensions in the Gulf region.
“India is deeply concerned at the attack targeting the Barakah nuclear facility in the UAE. Such actions are unacceptable and represent a dangerous escalation. We urgently call for restraint and a return to dialogue and diplomacy,” the ministry stated.
This response followed a drone attack that ignited a fire at the Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi. Emirati officials reported that a drone struck an electrical generator outside the facility’s inner perimeter, with no injuries or radiological leaks reported. Additionally, safety systems at the plant remained intact, and all operational units continued to function normally.
The incident has heightened concerns about the fragile ceasefire between Iran, Israel, and the United States, with diplomatic relations appearing increasingly strained. The UAE condemned the strike, labeling it an “unprovoked terrorist attack” and asserting its readiness to defend its sovereignty. “These attacks constitute a dangerous escalation, an unacceptable act of aggression, and a direct threat to the country’s security,” the UAE foreign ministry declared.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that emergency diesel generators were supplying power to one of the reactors following the fire. The agency urged “maximum military restraint” around nuclear facilities and stated it was closely monitoring the situation.
The UAE defense ministry reported that three drones entered its airspace from the western border with Saudi Arabia, of which two were intercepted before they could reach their intended targets. While authorities have not officially assigned blame, the UAE has previously implicated Iran and associated groups in similar attacks targeting energy infrastructure in the Gulf.
The Barakah plant, which cost $20 billion to build with South Korean assistance and has been operational since 2020, represents the Arab world’s only nuclear power station and contributes approximately a quarter of the UAE’s electricity needs.
This latest strike comes as tensions intensify between Tehran, Washington, and Tel Aviv. US President Donald Trump warned Iran that “the clock is ticking,” while Iranian officials maintained that their forces are prepared for any eventuality, despite the existence of diplomatic channels.
