Saudi Arabia intercepts drones from Iraq after three unmanned aircraft entered the Kingdom’s airspace from Iraqi territory on Sunday morning. Saudi authorities confirmed that the drones were destroyed before they could cause damage, as fresh security concerns spread across the Gulf region.
Saudi Defence Ministry spokesman Major General Turki al-Maliki said the country reserves the right to respond at the appropriate time and place. He added that Saudi forces would take all necessary operational measures to protect the Kingdom’s sovereignty, security, and the safety of citizens and residents.
The latest incident comes despite a reduction in direct hostilities following the Iran conflict ceasefire announced in April. However, drone activity launched from Iraq toward Gulf states has continued to raise regional tensions.
The UAE strongly condemned the incident and described the drone launches as a violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and regional stability. Emirati officials also expressed full support for all Saudi measures aimed at protecting national security.
At the same time, tensions between Iran and the United States continued to escalate. Mohsen Rezaei, a senior member of Tehran’s Expediency Council and former Revolutionary Guard commander, warned Washington to remove restrictions on Iranian ports.
He said the continued blockade could turn the Sea of Oman into a dangerous zone for US forces. Rezaei called the blockade an act of war and warned that prolonged pressure on Iran would increase global economic and regional damage.
Meanwhile, a separate drone strike caused a fire near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi. UAE authorities said the attack targeted an electrical generator outside the facility’s inner perimeter. Officials confirmed there were no injuries and no impact on radiation safety levels.
The UAE defence ministry said one of three drones entering from the western border direction hit the area. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the attack.
Senior UAE officials described the strike as a dangerous escalation. Presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said the attack violated international laws and endangered civilian lives.
The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, which began operations in 2020, supplies nearly a quarter of the UAE’s electricity needs. Authorities confirmed all systems remain operational and safe.
US President Donald Trump also renewed pressure on Iran. In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump warned Tehran to move quickly toward ending the conflict or face severe consequences.
Elsewhere in the region, Israeli airstrikes continued in Lebanon and Gaza. Lebanese officials reported multiple deaths, including civilians, after strikes in eastern and southern Lebanon. In Gaza, health authorities said five more people were killed in ongoing violence despite an earlier ceasefire.
Iranian media also claimed the latest US response in negotiations failed to offer meaningful concessions, increasing fears that diplomatic talks could reach a deadlock.
