DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The United Arab Emirates Defense Ministry said Tuesday that all drones targeting the Barakah nuclear power plant originated from Iraqi territory, a development that points to possible involvement by Iranian-backed Shiite militias operating in the region.
The attack struck a generator on the facility's perimeter but caused no injuries or radiological release, according to Emirati officials. The $20 billion plant, built with South Korean assistance and operational since 2020, supplies up to a quarter of the UAE's energy needs as the only nuclear facility in the Arab world.
Such strikes follow a pattern of drone attacks by militias against Gulf states after Israel and the United States began operations against Iran on Feb. 28. Officials noted that these groups have historically allowed Iran to distance itself from direct responsibility for such incidents.
U.S. President Donald Trump indicated Tuesday he is prepared to allow Iran several days to advance peace talks before resuming military action. He mentioned being an hour away from ordering new strikes on Monday before pulling back due to ongoing negotiations.
“We also emphasize the importance of effective regional and international cooperation to prevent any escalation or harm to the stability of the region, or any targeting of the security and sovereignty of sisterly and friendly nations,” Iraqi government spokesman Bassem al-Awadi said in a statement condemning the attacks.
Baghdad issued its condemnation without directly addressing the UAE's claim about the drones' origin. Three additional drones were reported over UAE airspace in recent days, while Saudi Arabia said it intercepted three others that entered from Iraqi territory.
Tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran maintains control amid a U.S. naval blockade of its ports. Maritime data from Lloyd’s List Intelligence showed 54 ships transited the strait the week of May 11, more than double the previous week's 25 but far below pre-war daily averages exceeding 130 vessels.
Among last week's traffic were 10 China-owned ships, including two carrying cooking gas to India, after Tehran eased restrictions for select Chinese vessels. Iran has applied a vetting process for departures from the Persian Gulf that sometimes requires payments and bars U.S. and Israeli ships.
Key issues in the talks include reopening the strait to commercial shipping and addressing Iran's nuclear program. Trump has pushed for removal of highly enriched uranium from Iran to block weapons development, while Tehran maintains its program serves peaceful purposes.
Emirati diplomat Anwer Gargash posted on X that the situation involves confusing roles among regional actors during what he described as Iranian aggression. No group has claimed responsibility for the Barakah attack, though Iran and its proxies remain under suspicion.
The UAE has hosted Israeli air defenses and personnel in recent years and has accused Iran of launching drone and missile strikes even after the April 8 ceasefire took effect. Ship traffic through the strait has increased modestly but stays well below normal levels.