A drone strike has sparked a fire at an electrical generator at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, authorities in the UAE have confirmed. The incident occurred amid ongoing tensions in the region, with the UAE facing repeated missile and drone attacks during the Israel-US-Iran conflict, some of which authorities have attributed to Iran.
Fire at Barakah Nuclear Plant
The fire broke out at a generator outside the inner perimeter of the plant in the Al Dhafra Region, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office. No injuries were reported, and radiological safety levels remained unaffected. The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation verified that the plant's essential systems are operating normally. The statement did not assign blame for the suspected drone attack. The UAE has previously experienced attacks on energy and maritime infrastructure linked to the broader conflict.
Trump's Warning to Iran
US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Tehran, stating that if Iran fails to reach a peace agreement with the US, it will face "a very bad time." In an interview with French media, Trump said, "If they don’t, they’re going to have a bad time. A very bad time. They had better make a deal." He also shared an AI-generated graphic depicting himself with a US Navy admiral in front of stormy waters, captioned "It was calm before the storm."
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by expressing doubt about US intentions, citing contradictory messages from the Trump administration. "We are in doubt about their seriousness," Araghchi stated.
Netanyahu to Speak with Trump
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to speak with President Trump on Sunday. Netanyahu indicated he expected to hear about Trump's trip to China and suggested they would also discuss Iran.
US Allows Sanctions Waiver on Russian Oil to Expire
The Trump administration allowed a sanctions waiver on Russian seaborne oil to lapse on Saturday. The waiver had previously permitted countries like India to purchase Russian oil, aiming to ease supply shortages and high prices caused by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had indicated he would not renew the license. No renewal notice was posted on the Treasury website by Saturday afternoon, and a Treasury spokesperson declined further comment.
Trump Agrees with Xi on US Decline
In a Fox News interview, President Trump agreed with Chinese President Xi Jinping's assessment that America is "a nation in decline." Trump later clarified he was referring specifically to the Biden administration and praised his own administration's performance.
Displacement in Lebanon
More than one million people have been displaced in Lebanon since the conflict began, with recent Israeli airstrikes targeting southern Lebanon, including areas near Tyre.
South Korea Seeks Iran's Position on Ship Attack
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun requested Iran's position on an attack on a South Korean cargo vessel near the Strait of Hormuz during a phone call with his Iranian counterpart. A South Korean official previously noted that the possibility of responsibility lying with an entity other than Iran is low.
Russian Envoy Criticizes US and Israel
Russian Envoy Mikhail Ulyanov criticized the US and Israel over reports of potential new attacks on Iran, stating on social media that "the US and Israel do not learn lessons from their past strategic mistakes."
UK Inflation Expected to Fall
UK inflation is projected to have eased in April, with a drop in household energy bills offsetting a surge in fuel prices. Economists estimate the Consumer Price Index inflation slowed to 3% from 3.3% in March. However, experts warn of turbulence ahead as the impact of the Iran energy price shock catches up with the cost of living.
Iranian Oscar Winner Speaks on Crisis
Asghar Farhadi, director of the first Iranian film to win an Oscar for best foreign language movie, described the deaths of thousands in a January crackdown and the ongoing war as "deeply painful." Speaking at the Cannes Film Festival, where his film "Parallel Tales" premiered, Farhadi said he was still carrying the impact of these events.
