May 18, Kathmandu - The United Arab Emirates' only nuclear energy plant was targeted by a drone attack on Sunday, intensifying tensions in the Middle East. UAE officials condemned the incident as a "provocation-free terrorist attack," and stated that a fire broke out outside the nuclear plant following the attack. However, they assured that there were no human casualties or radioactive leaks.

This incident comes at a time when both the United States and Iran are signaling readiness for potential conflict. Over recent weeks, tensions in the Persian Gulf region have risen sharply. US President Donald Trump warned Iran via social media, stating that "time is running out for Iran." The warning followed a phone call between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Mohsen Rezaee, a military advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader, said, “Our armed forces are fully prepared for war, but diplomatic efforts are ongoing.” According to the UAE's Defense Ministry, three drones entered UAE airspace from the direction of Saudi Arabia. Two of these drones were intercepted by air defense systems, while one drone caused a fire near the Barakah nuclear energy plant.

The Barakah plant supplies approximately a quarter of the UAE's total electricity needs, making this attack highly sensitive. UAE diplomatic advisor Anwar Gargash stated on social media, “Whether carried out directly or through proxy groups, this attack is an extremely dangerous provocation.”

Saudi Arabia also condemned the attack, reporting that three additional drones had fallen within its airspace. Recently, Iran-backed militant groups and Shia armed factions in Iraq have carried out drone attacks targeting various countries in the Gulf region. Meanwhile, regional tensions have further escalated due to the US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Experts suggest that this attack on the UAE's nuclear infrastructure could potentially push the Middle East toward a larger conflict.