The United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Defense reported in a May 17 X post that air defenses successfully intercepted two drones, while a third drone started a fire at an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah nuclear power plant; a presidential adviser suggested in a May 18 X post that Iran or one of its proxies was behind the attack. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump wrote, "the Clock is Ticking," in a May 17 Truth Social post, indicating mounting frustration over stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations, and Iran has since responded to the latest U.S. proposal.

The attack on the Barakah nuclear power plant did not result in any injuries, and operations and radiation levels remained normal. The facility is the United Arab Emirates' only nuclear power plant and produces approximately 25% of the country's total electricity. Trump is expected to meet with national security advisors on May 19 to discuss military options, following a May 17 phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the Iran conflict.