A drone strike that caused a fire near the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant has further heightened tensions in the Middle East, as violence continues in Gaza and southern Lebanon and Iran steps up warnings over the Strait of Hormuz.Authorities in the United Arab Emirates said the fire broke out at an electrical generator outside the plant’s inner perimeter in the Al Dhafra region.
Officials added that there were no injuries or radiation-related risks.Iran warns over Strait of HormuzTensions between Iran and the United States escalated after Tehran announced plans to introduce a new system for managing maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.Iran’s First Vice President said Tehran would no longer allow what it described as “enemy” military equipment to pass through the strategic waterway. Iranian officials also suggested that tolls could be imposed on ships using the route.The remarks came shortly after Donald Trump warned Iran that it would face a “very bad time” if a peace agreement was not reached soon.Fresh strikes in Lebanon and GazaMeanwhile, Israeli air strikes continued in southern Lebanon, with new attacks reported in the town of Zawtar al-Sharqiyah as cross-border hostilities showed little sign of easing.
In Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Health Ministry said six people were killed and 19 others wounded over the past two days despite the ongoing ceasefire.According to the ministry, the toll included two newly confirmed deaths and four bodies recovered from rubble left by earlier Israeli strikes.
Officials said several victims remain trapped under collapsed buildings or stranded in areas rescue teams cannot reach because of continuing bombardment and unsafe conditions.
The ministry added that 871 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire arrangement came into effect on October 11, 2025. Israeli military operations have continued across parts of Gaza, with repeated strikes reported in densely populated areas.