An attack on UAE’s nuclear plant has been strongly criticised, with the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserting that the targeting of the Barakah nuclear plant and other vital facilities in the UAE marks “an extremely dangerous development affecting the security of nuclear facilities and the safety and stability of the region.”
The ministry added in a statement that it also constitutes “a flagrant violation of international law.” The ministry reaffirmed its “full and unequivocal rejection of any attack” on the UAE.
The UAE’s Minister of industry and advanced technology also condemned Sunday’s drone attack on the Barakah nuclear plant. Sultan Al Jaber, who is also CEO of the state-owned oil company ADNOC, said on social media that the targeting of Barakah “is a terrorist attack on a peaceful project, built to the highest safety standards, that powers homes, hospitals, and industries across the UAE.”
According to the UAE’s defence ministry, the drone that targeted the facility was one of three that “entered the country from the western border direction.” It disclosed that the projectile struck “an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra area.”
The ministry added that investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the attacks, and updates will be disclosed upon completion of the investigations.
Additionally, the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemned and denounced the drone attack on the nuclear power plant which caused a fire near the facility. The OIC General Secretariat affirmed that targeting civilian facilities and critical infrastructure constitutes a flagrant violation of international law. It reiterated its full solidarity with the United Arab Emirates and its support for all measures taken by the UAE to maintain its security and stability, and to protect its territory from any threats.
Moreover, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticised “renewed” attacks against the UAE and other German partners in the Gulf.
“Attacks on nuclear facilities pose a threat to the safety of people throughout the entire region. There must be no further escalation of violence.”
Friedrich Merz
Merz added that Iran must engage again in negotiations with the US, “stop threatening its neighbours, and open the Strait of Hormuz without restrictions.”
UAE’s foreign ministry disclosed that Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed held a phone call with International Atomic Energy Agency Chief Rafael Grossi during which they discussed the incident “and UAE-IAEA relations and ways to further enhance them across various fields in support of the peaceful use of nuclear energy in line with the highest international standards of safety, security and non-proliferation.”
The UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) posted a statement on X confirming that the incident did not affect the safety of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant or the readiness of its essential systems. “There has been no release of radioactive material, radiological safety levels remain within normal ranges, and there is no risk to the public or the environment,” it said, adding that no injuries have been reported.
“The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant was designed, licensed, and is operated in accordance with the highest international standards of nuclear safety and security. Multiple independent layers of protection are built into every aspect of the plant’s design and operation to ensure the safe and secure production of clean electricity under a wide range of conditions.
“The protection of the public, workers, and the environment remains FANR’s highest priority. The Authority will continue to provide rigorous and independent regulatory oversight to ensure the continued safe and secure operation of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant.”
UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR)
Iraq Investigates Drone Attack On Saudi Arabia
Separately, Iraq said that it is investigating the circumstances around a drone attack that Saudi Arabia said was launched from Iraqi territory yesterday.
Iraq’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that its air defences had not detected any drones being launched in the country’s airspace.
The statement also called on Saudi Arabia “to cooperate and exchange relevant information” to enhance security and stability. The ministry reiterated its backing of “the firm position rejecting any targeting of sisterly countries.”
Also, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi said that he discussed “issues related to the current diplomatic process and the latest regional developments” in a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.
The statement published on Araghchi’s Telegram channel said that the two exchanged views on regional issues and current diplomatic process between Tehran and Washington.
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