Drone Attacks Nuclear Plant Iran Had Called Possible Target

A drone attack has ignited a fire near the United Arab Emirates' only nuclear power station, heightening concerns about military activity around nuclear sites during the Iran war. UAE authorities said the strike hit an electrical generator outside the outer security boundary of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, about 175 miles west of Abu Dhabi. Officials reported no damage to the reactors, said radiation readings were normal, and confirmed the plant remained in operation. The International Atomic Energy Agency said one of Barakah's four reactors, which collectively supply about a quarter of the country's electricity, switched to emergency diesel power after the strike, the Wall Street Journal reports.

The UAE did not identify who launched the drone, and no one immediately claimed responsibility, per the AP. Iranian state media had previously named Barakah as a potential target after President Trump warned in late March that he would destroy Iranian power infrastructure, beginning with its largest plants, if Tehran did not ease its control over the Strait of Hormuz. IAEA Director Rafael Grossi voiced serious concern and urged all parties to avoid military actions near nuclear facilities, per the Journal.