Berlin, May 18 — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday condemned strikes that targeted the United Arab Emirates’ Barakah nuclear facility, warning that attacks on nuclear infrastructure endanger people across the West Asia region and risk broader escalation. In a post on X, Merz said: “We strongly condemn the renewed Iranian airstrikes against the United Arab Emirates and other partners. Attacks on nuclear facilities pose a threat to the safety of people throughout the entire region. There must be no further escalation of violence.”
The UAE said on Sunday that a drone strike hit an electricity generator located outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra area. Authorities called the incident a “terrorist attack” and stated that the power plant itself was not damaged.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the strikes as a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable act of aggression that directly threatens national security. The ministry highlighted that targeting peaceful nuclear energy facilities violates international law, the UN Charter and humanitarian law, given the serious risks such actions pose to civilians, the environment and regional stability. It also stressed the importance of international standards and IAEA resolutions that require protection of peaceful nuclear sites and their safety and security from hostile acts.
India also condemned the drone attack, calling it a “dangerous escalation” and urging restraint, a halt to hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
The comments and official responses were reported by ANI.
