UAE urges Iraq probe after three drones hit Barakah nuclear plant, IAEA warns of nuclear safety threat
Three drones struck the Barakah nuclear power plant on Sunday, prompting warnings that any damage to the facility’s electrical supply could elevate the risk of a reactor accident and a major radioactive release, Breitbart reported. [1]
The United Arab Emirates said there were no reported injuries and no release of radiation from the explosion at the site. [1] Still, the UAE called on the Iraqi government to investigate the attack, saying it was launched against the plant from Iraqi soil. [1]
The UAE Defense Ministry said the drones came from Iraq and were most likely launched by Iran-backed Shiite militia groups. [1]
International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi said the incident was a threat to “nuclear safety in the UAE” and a matter of “grave concern.” [1] He also warned that a strike on the lines supplying electrical power to the plant “could increase the likelihood of its reactors’ cores melting, which could result in a high release of radioactivity.” [1]
The attack is the latest development in a broader, fast-moving regional storyline that has included a May 14, 2026, report that Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret visit to the UAE during the Iran war. [1] It also comes as Iraq continues investigating a drone attack launched from its territory targeting the UAE nuclear plant area. [1]
Timeline· Developing
Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret visit to the UAE to meet the country's president amid the ongoing Iran war, while Iraq continues to investigate a drone attack launched from its territory targeting the UAE nuclear plant area.
- Netanyahu made secret visit to UAE to meet president
On May 12 reports said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates to meet with the country's president. The trip was unannounced and occurred amid the wider Iran war, drawing attention to quiet diplomatic contacts in the region.
UAE reports drones struck nuclear plant area
On May 20 the United Arab Emirates reported that drones launched from Iraq struck the area around a nuclear plant, raising alarms about strikes near sensitive civilian nuclear infrastructure. The incident heightened regional security concerns following recent diplomatic activity.
UN Security Council condemns attack on UAE nuclear plant
Also on May 20 the U.N. Security Council issued a condemnation of the attack on the UAE nuclear plant area, signaling international diplomatic concern and calling attention to the potential wider implications of cross-border strikes.
Published May 17, 2026
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