Tension has again increased in West Asia after the attack on the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates. There is a fear that war may break out again after this attack. Actually, no one has taken responsibility for this attack yet, but Iran is being suspected of the attack. The government of UAE is very upset after this attack. So let us know why this nuclear plant is so important for the UAE and the entire Gulf world.
Why is this nuclear plant important for the Arab world?
- According to media reports, the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Power Plant is one of the UAE’s major achievements and is the first and only nuclear power plant in the Arab world.
- Built in partnership with South Korea at a cost of about $20 billion, the plant began full commercial operations in 2021. It meets about 25 percent of the UAE’s total electricity needs.
- The Barakah plant is also playing a vital role in the UAE’s strategy to achieve ‘Net Zero’ target by 2050.
- UAE operates this plant with the help of America. The two countries have an agreement under which the UAE imports nuclear fuel rather than developing its own uranium enrichment and reprocessing capacity.
- Regarding this nuclear plant, it is said, ‘Barakah project has been presented to the world as an ideal model of safe and peaceful nuclear energy program.’
The plant’s power generator was damaged in the attack.
No organization has taken responsibility for the drone attack on the nuclear plant. The attack caused a fire on the outskirts of the plant’s compound and set a power generator on fire. UAE government officials have said the attack caused no radioactive leakage from the plant and poses no risk to the public.
India expressed concern over attack on nuclear power plant
India expressed deep concern over the drone attack targeting the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates and described it as a dangerous incident that could increase tensions in West Asia. The UAE Defense Ministry has said that efforts are being made to trace the source of the drone attack. After this incident, the fear of further increase in tension in the entire West Asia has deepened.
The Ministry of External Affairs said, ‘India expresses deep concern over the attack targeting UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant. Such actions are unacceptable and take the situation to dangerous levels. We appeal to all parties to exercise restraint and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy.
Tension has increased between Iran and UAE
The United Arab Emirates and many other Gulf countries have been Iran’s target since the war started in West Asia. Iran has carried out drone and missile attacks on the UAE several times, resulting in the deaths of many people in the UAE. However, till now the UAE has exercised restraint. However, after the news of talks between Israel and UAE surfaced recently, Iran is very angry and has threatened to attack UAE. There was also a debate between the leaders of UAE and Iran during the BRICS conference held in India. Now the attack on Barakah nuclear plant has added fuel to the tension between the two countries.