Middle East roundup: Trump says 'serious negotiations' underway with Iran

This live blog follows the latest developments across the Middle East crisis, including regional diplomacy, maritime security, ceasefire negotiations, and economic fallout.

Catch up: Yesterday’s top developments

• Turkiye slams 'act of piracy' over Israel's flotilla interception
• Iran officially announces new body to manage Strait of Hormuz: Top security council
• Iran says responded to latest US peace proposal
• Pakistan strongly condemns attack on UAE's nuclear plant, says PM 
• Kuwait condemns 'aggression' against Saudi Arabia 

Israeli forces raid Ramallah, el-Bireh in occupied West Bank

Published: May 18, 2026 | 23:12 GMT | by Web Desk

The Wafa news agency reports that Israeli forces have stormed several areas in the Ramallah and el-Bireh governorate in the occupied West Bank.

The forces entered the northern villages of al-Mughayyir and Abu Falah on Monday evening, with confrontations breaking out in al-Mughayyir, during which Israeli forces fired toxic gas canisters, according to the Wafa report.

Hezbollah claims attacks on Israeli army in southern Lebanon

Published: May 18, 2026 | 22:26 GMT | by Web Desk

The Lebanese armed group has said that its forces targeted Israeli soldiers in the town of Rashaf with drones, Al Jazeera reported

Hezbollah said in a post on Telegram that the attack was in retaliation for deadly Israeli attacks on villages in southern Lebanon.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli army.

As we’ve been reporting, the death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2 has now passed 3,000, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

Iran warns US and allies against ‘strategic miscalculation’: Report

Published: May 18, 2026 | 22:15 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran’s Tasnim news agency reports that the commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Major General Ali Abdollahi, warns the US and its allies not to commit another “strategic mistake or miscalculation.”

The commander said that the country’s armed forces were more prepared and stronger than in the past, with their hands on the trigger to respond to any renewed aggression.

He noted that “US and Zionist forces have repeatedly tested Iran’s resolve” to no avail, and warned that any further mistakes would face a response far more powerful than previous military confrontations, according to Tasnim.

Trump says 'very positive development' in Iran talks

Published: May 18, 2026 | 22:00 GMT | by AFP

US President Donald Trump touted a "very positive development" in talks with Iran, which convinced him to postpone a planned military attack on the Islamic republic.

Trump said allies in the Middle East told him "they are getting very close to making a deal" that would leave Iran without nuclear weapons.

"It's a very positive development, but we'll see whether or not it amounts to anything," Trump said during a White House event.

Pezeshkian says entering dialogue with US does not mean surrender 

Published: May 18, 2026 | 21:44 GMT | by Web Desk

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that entering dialogue with the US does not mean surrender, adding that they would carry out dialogue with “dignity, authority, and the preservation of the nation's rights.” 

In a post on X, he said that under no circumstances would Iran retreat from the “legal rights of the people and the country,” adding that the government would serve the people with logic and safeguard the interests and honor of Iran.

Trump says 'serious negotiations' underway with Iran

Published: May 18, 2026 | 19:25 GMT | by AFP

US President Donald Trump said he would "hold off" an attack on Iran scheduled for Tuesday at the request of Gulf leaders.

Trump said on his Truth Social network on Monday that "serious negotiations" were now underway with Iran and that Gulf states believed "a deal will be made."

But he said Washington was ready for a "full, large scale assault of Iran, on a moment's notice, in the event that an acceptable Deal is not reached."

US extends sanctions waiver on Russian at-sea oil by 30 days

Published: May 18, 2026 | 19:15 GMT | by AFP

The US Treasury secretary on Monday said Washington was extending by 30 days its sanctions waiver for Russian oil cargoes already at sea, as global energy prices continue to surge due to the Middle East war.

The latest "temporary 30-day general license" will "provide the most vulnerable nations with the ability to temporarily access Russian oil currently stranded at sea," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a social media post.

Monday's announcement is the second time US authorities have extended the temporary measure, which is meant to address oil supply shortages sparked by the US-Israel war on Iran.

Iran's retaliatory action has targeted US regional allies and virtually blocked the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies normally pass.

Pakistan condemns drone attacks carried out against Saudi Arabia in ‘strongest possible terms’

Published: May 18, 2026 | 18:50 GMT | by Web Desk

The Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the drone attacks carried out against Saudi Arabia “in the strongest possible terms.”

“Such attacks constitute a serious violation of Kingdom's sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and appear to be an attempt to further undermine the regional peace and stability,” the ministry said in a post on X. 

Islamabad reiterated that the government and the people stood in solidarity with Saudi Arabia during this critical time, reaffirming “their full and unwavering support for the Riyadh’s security, peace and prosperity.

Pakistan expresses ‘deep’ appreciation for Qatar's support of Islamabad's peace initiative

Published: May 18, 2026 | 18:04 GMT | by Web Desk

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday held a telephone conversation with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, expressing his deep appreciation for Doha's support to Pakistan's peace initiative.

During the telephone call, the two leaders exchanged views on the evolving situation in the Middle East, with particular focus on the ongoing peace efforts led by Pakistan.

“While expressing his deep appreciation for Qatar's support to Pakistan's peace initiative, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan's strong commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy,” added the statement.

Hormuz tanker traffic edges higher after wartime low

Published: May 18, 2026 | 17:00 GMT | by AFP

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz was slightly higher last week, returning to levels in line with the average recorded since the start of the Middle East conflict after hitting a wartime low.

A total of 55 commodities vessels crossed the strategic waterway between May 11 and 17, according to data from maritime tracking firm Kpler as of Monday morning.

That marked a sharp increase from the previous week, when just 19 vessels crossed -- the lowest weekly figure since the first US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, which led to widespread disruption of traffic through the strait.

Despite the increase, last week's crossings remain broadly in line with wartime averages.

Iran’s new Hormuz authority says all ships need its permission to cross

Published: May 18, 2026 | 16:20 GMT | by Web Desk

The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), Iran’s new body set up to manage the Strait of Hormuz, has registered its account on X and said any passage through the waterway without permission from it “will be considered illegal”.

“Navigation within the introduced boundaries of the Strait of Hormuz, which were previously determined by the Armed Forces and authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran, is contingent upon full coordination with these entities,” its statement said, “and passage without permission will be considered illegal.

Iran Guards threaten to impose permits on internet cables passing through Hormuz

Published: May 18, 2026 | 15:30 GMT | by AFP

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Monday that internet fibre optic cables passing through the Strait of Hormuz could be brought under a system of permits as Tehran tightens control over the waterway.

"Following the imposition of control over the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, citing its absolute sovereignty over the bed and subsoil of its territorial sea... could declare that all fibre-optic cables passing through the waterway are subject to permits," the IRGC said, in a social media post.

'We will never bow' vows Iranian president 

Published: May 18, 2026 | 13:30 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed to never yield to any power or sacrifice the nation’s dignity for comfort, according to semi-national media outlet Press TV.

“We will not bow. I will never bow before any power. We will not sacrifice the country's dignity for the sake of comfort-seeking and our own worldly desires, but we must manage the country with prudence and wisdom," Pezeshkian said.

Lebanese president says he will do the 'impossible' to stop war with Israel

Published: May 18, 2026 | 13:00 GMT | by AFP

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Monday that he would do the "impossible" in order to stop the war with Israel, after a ceasefire and direct talks between the countries failed to end the fighting.

"My duty, based on my position and my responsibility, is to do the impossible, and to choose what is least costly, in order to stop the war against Lebanon and its people," Aoun said in a statement Monday.

US accepts lifting Iran oil sanctions: Tasnim News Agency

Published: May 18, 2026 | 11:40 GMT | by Web Desk

The United States has accepted lifting Iran’s oil sanctions in its new proposal, Tasnim News Agency reported, citing a source close to the negotiating team.

It reported that, unlike in previous drafts, the Americans have agreed “in the new text” to waive Iran’s oil sanctions during the negotiation period.

Pakistan FM, Saudi ambassador exchange views on recent regional developments

Published: May 18, 2026 | 10:43 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy exchanged views on recent regional developments, a post shared on X on Monday by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The post said, "The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, H.E. Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy, called on Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today."

"Discussions focused on the fraternal Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations." Pakistan's foreign minister "reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to further strengthening cooperation across all areas."

"Views were exchanged on recent regional developments and other matters of mutual interest." 

The Saudi Ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and stability, it said.

Turkiye slams 'act of piracy' over Israel's flotilla interception

Published: May 18, 2026 | 10:27 GMT | by AFP

Turkiye on Monday denounced Israel for a "new act of piracy" after the latest Gaza-bound aid flotilla said Israeli troops had intercepted one boat off Cyprus.

"We condemn the intervention by Israeli forces in international waters against the Global Flotilla ... which constitutes a new act of piracy," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement. The flotilla of 50 vessels set sail from Turkey on Thursday.

Iran officially announces new body to manage Strait of Hormuz: Top security council

Published: May 18, 2026 | 10:27 GMT | by AFP

Iran's top security body announced on Monday the formation of a new body to manage the Strait of Hormuz.

On its official X account, the Supreme National Security Council shared a post for the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) saying it would provide "real‑time updates on the #Hormuz_Strait operations and latest developments."

The account of the Revolutionary Guards' navy shared the same post.

Iran says responded to latest US peace proposal

Published: May 18, 2026 | 10:08 GMT | by AFP

Iran said Monday it had responded to a new US proposal aimed at ending the war, adding that exchanges were continuing despite Iranian media reports describing Washington's demands as excessive.

Washington and Tehran have been swapping proposals in an effort to end the US-Israel war on Iran, which began on Feb. 28. The two sides have held a single round of talks so far amid a fragile ceasefire in place since April 8.

"As we announced yesterday, our concerns were conveyed to the American side," foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said during a press briefing Monday, adding that exchanges were "continuing through the Pakistani mediator," without providing details.

Baqaei defended Iran's demands, including the release of Iranian assets frozen abroad and the lifting of long-standing sanctions.

"The points raised are Iranian demands that have been firmly defended by the Iranian negotiating team in every round of negotiations," he said.

He also defended an Iranian stipulation that the US pay war reparations, describing the conflict as "illegal and baseless."

On the possibility of another military confrontation, Baqaei said Iran was "fully prepared for any eventuality."

On Sunday, Iran's Fars news agency said Washington had presented a five-point list, which included a demand for Iran to keep only one nuclear site in operation and transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to the United States.

Pakistan strongly condemns attack on UAE's nuclear plant, says PM 

Published: May 18, 2026 | 09:41 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed the country's strong condemnation of the attack on the UAE's nuclear plant. 

In a post on X on Monday, PM Sharif stated, "Pakistan strongly condemns the drone attack on the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the United Arab Emirates."

"We stand in full solidarity with the leadership and the brotherly people of the United Arab Emirates."

He said, "We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint and fulfill their obligations under international law."

"Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path toward lasting regional peace, stability and de-escalation," he said in his social media post.

Kuwait condemns 'aggression' against Saudi Arabia 

Published: May 18, 2026 | 09:38 GMT | by Web Desk

In a statement issued on Monday, Kuwait condemned "aggression"  against Saudi Arabia. 

The statement shared on X stated: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the State of Kuwait's condemnation and strong denunciation of the aggression to which the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was subjected via drones originating from Iraqi airspace, which were successfully intercepted, as a continuation of the flagrant violations of international law and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2817, and in a manner that undermines regional security and stability."

"While condemning this brazen attack, the Ministry affirms its stand alongside the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in all measures it takes to preserve its security and stability and ensure the safety of its territories," it further added.

Israeli army claims targeting over 30 Hezbollah sites in Lebanon

Published: May 18, 2026 | 08:38 GMT | by Web Desk

The Israeli army has claimed to have targeted over 30 Hezbollah sites in Lebanon.

In a post on its social media account on Monday, it said, "The Israeli army targeted more than 30 infrastructures belonging to the terrorist organization Hezbollah in southern Lebanon: weapons depots, observation posts, and infrastructures that were used to advance terrorist plans against our forces."

Gaza-bound flotilla says Israeli forces intercepting its fleet west of Cyprus

Published: May 18, 2026 | 08:27 GMT | by Web Desk

Israeli forces were intercepting a Gaza-bound aid flotilla on Monday after it set sail from Turkey last week, with organizers saying one of the vessels was stopped west of Cyprus.

"Military vessels are currently intercepting our fleet and IDF forces are currently boarding the first of our boats in broad daylight," the Global Sumud Flotilla posted on X.

UAE FM discusses attack at nuclear plant with regional counterparts 

Published: May 18, 2026 | 08:25 GMT | by Web Desk

UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed has made a series of phone calls to his counterparts in the region over the attack targeting a nuclear energy plant.

A post shared by Office of UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs on Monday said, "Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed discusses by phone with the foreign ministers of the State of Qatar, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Kuwait, the Kingdom of Morocco, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the Kingdom of Bahrain the repercussions of the treacherous terrorist attack that targeted an electrical generator outside the internal perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, where the ministers strongly condemned this treacherous terrorist attack, affirming the full and legitimate right of the United Arab Emirates to respond to these attacks in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty and national security, the safety of its lands and citizens, residents, and visitors, in accordance with international law."

Iran's World Cup football team leaves for Turkiye: Media

Published: May 18, 2026 | 08:01 GMT | by AFP

Iran's national football team was headed to Turkiye on Monday to play a final friendly match before flying to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, Iranian media reported.

"The Iranian national football team, consisting of 22 players and coaching staff, departed this morning for Antalya, Turkey, to play its final friendly match before flying to the United States for the 2026 World Cup," the Tasnim News Agency reported.

Transport protests hit Kenya over rising fuel prices

Published: May 18, 2026 | 07:59 GMT | by AFP

Public transport was largely shut down, and protesters barricaded roads in Kenya on Monday as a strike was called over a fuel price hike triggered by the war in the Middle East.

Kenya is one of many African countries dependent on fuel imports from the Gulf.

On Thursday, Kenya announced a series of price hikes in response to rising global oil prices, including a 23.5% increase in diesel prices -- triggering a call for a strike by transport workers.

Protesters barricaded roads and lit bonfires on the outskirts of Nairobi early Monday and tried to stop cars and "boda boda" motorbikes from passing, an AFP journalist saw.

Thousands of commuters were stranded by a strike by "matatu" minibusses, which provide the only form of public transport in the Kenyan capital but are privately owned.

The Daily Nation newspaper published a video of clashes between protesters and police in Kiambu, a satellite town outside Nairobi.

Last month, Kenyan authorities also suspended fuel quality standards to maintain supply amid shortages.

Oman condemns attack targeting UAE's nuclear plant 

Published: May 18, 2026 | 07:47 GMT | by Web Desk

Oman has condemned the attack targeting the United Arab Emirates' nuclear plant. 

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Sultanate of Oman's condemnation and denunciation of the attack targeting the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the Al Dhafra region of the sisterly United Arab Emirates (UAE) using drones," said a post shared on X by Oman's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.

"The Sultanate of Oman affirms its solidarity with the United Arab Emirates regarding the measures it is taking to preserve its security and the safety of its territories."

"It also reaffirms its steadfast policy of rejecting all hostile and escalatory acts, and calls for dialogue to address issues and challenges, in order to preserve security and stability in the region, respect the rules of international law, the policy of good neighborliness, and non-interference in the internal affairs of states," the post said.

Iranian, Turkish FMs discuss ongoing diplomatic developments to ease regional tensions 

Published: May 18, 2026 | 07:37 GMT | by Web Desk

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan have discussed issues in West Asia and ongoing diplomatic developments to ease tensions in the region, said a post shared on X by the Iranian state-run IRNA News Agency.

Pakistan condemns drone attack on UAE's nuclear energy plant 

Published: May 18, 2026 | 07:29 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan strongly condemned the drone attack on the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the United Arab Emirates on May 17, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. 

"Pakistan stands in full solidarity with the brotherly people and Government of the UAE," the statement said.

It further said, "Any deliberate targeting of nuclear facilities constitutes a grave violation of international law, including international humanitarian law, the United Nations Charter, and the fundamental principles of nuclear safety and security enshrined in the Statute and resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)."

"Pakistan calls upon all parties to exercise maximum restraint," the statement said.

"Dialogue and diplomacy, consistent with the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter, remain the only viable path toward lasting peace, stability, and de-escalation in the region," it said.

Pakistani, Qatari ministers underscore importance of dialogue in addressing regional challenges  

Published: May 18, 2026 | 07:23 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar today spoke with Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, according to a post on X by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

"They discussed the evolving regional situation and matters of mutual interest," the post said.

"Both sides underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomatic engagement in addressing regional challenges," it added.

The Qatari Minister, Al-Khulaifi, appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role and ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Pakistani foreign minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing the shared objectives of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond, the post said.

Iranian, French FMs discuss recent regional developments 

Published: May 18, 2026 | 06:27 GMT | by Web Desk

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, held a phone conversation to discuss bilateral relations and recent regional developments, according to a post on X by the Iranian state-run IRNA News Agency.

Reserves right to respond, says Saudi Defense Ministry after 'drones intercepted' over airspace 

Published: May 18, 2026 | 05:33 GMT | by Web Desk

Saudi Arabia has said that it reserves the right to respond after "drones (were) intercepted" over its airspace.  

"The official spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, Major General Turki Al-Maliki, stated that on the morning of Sunday, corresponding to (17 May 2026 AD), three drones were intercepted and destroyed after entering the Kingdom's airspace coming from Iraqi airspace," said a post on X by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense.

"Major General Al-Maliki affirmed that the Ministry of Defense reserves the right to respond at the appropriate time and place, and will take and implement all necessary operational measures to respond to any attempt to infringe on the Kingdom's sovereignty, security, and the safety of its citizens and residents on its territory," the post said.

UN expert urges Mediterranean countries to protect Gaza flotilla

Published: May 18, 2026 | 04:50 GMT | by Web Desk

The UN Special Rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territory, Francesca Albanese, has called on Mediterranean countries to protect the Global Sumud Flotilla.

In a post on X, she urged states to “protect the civilian vessels that are trying to break Israel’s genocidal siege on Gaza”, to “end complicity with apartheid”, and to “make justice happen”.

According to Al Jazeera, activists on board the flotilla have reported spotting a military vessel near their convoy, and the Israeli media have reported preparations to intercept the flotilla.

Ex-US defense chief recalls Netanyahu lobbying for attacks on Iran as far back as 2009

Published: May 18, 2026 | 02:45 GMT | by Web Desk

Robert Gates, the former CIA director and US defense secretary, has recalled a 2009 exchange with Benjamin Netanyahu in which the Israeli prime minister argued that Iran would quickly collapse if struck militarily, Al Jazeera reported.

Speaking on the CBS program "Face the Nation," Gates said Netanyahu told him in July 2009 that the Iranian regime was fragile and would “crumble at the first attack.”

Gates rejected the assessment at the time, saying he told Netanyahu he was “dead wrong” and was underestimating “the resilience of the Iranians.”

Melenchon slams ‘European complicity’ in US-Israel war on Iran

Published: May 18, 2026 | 01:01 GMT | by Web Desk

Jean-Luc Melenchon, the leading figure of France’s left-wing La France Insoumise party, has condemned “European complicity” in the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which triggered a wider regional war.

In a post on X, Melenchon said: “Trump and Netanyahu’s crude threats to destroy Iran are only possible thanks to European complicity. The world’s peace is reduced to the interests of Trump and Netanyahu’s colonialism.”

The politician, who is contending the 2027 presidential elections, urged voters to end “France’s alignment with these criminals” and “break the leash” during the vote.

Israeli strikes kills 5 in Gaza

Published: May 18, 2026 | 00:15 GMT | by AFP

Israeli strikes and gunfire killed five people in Gaza, where at least 871 people have been killed in persistent violence since an October ceasefire, health officials in the Palestinian territory said.

Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel has almost achieved its goal of eliminating all those responsible for orchestrating the Oct. 7 attack.

"I promised that every single architect of the massacre and the hostage-taking would be eliminated down to the last one, and we are very close to completing this mission," Netanyahu said during the weekly cabinet meeting.

Pakistan, Iran discuss key matters in Tehran

Published: May 17, 2026 | 01:04 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran during an official visit that also included meetings with senior Iranian officials, according to statements released through the minister’s official WhatsApp channel.

“Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi meets Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, discusses key matters,” the statement issued late on Sunday said.

Naqvi also met Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf during the visit.

The interior minister was received upon arrival in Tehran by his Iranian counterpart, Eskandar Momeni, and the two sides discussed bilateral relations during their meeting, the statement said.

Trump warns 'won't be anything left' of Iran unless it agrees to deal

Published: May 17, 2026 | 18:54 GMT | by AFP

President Donald Trump on Sunday warned Iran, "there won't be anything left of them" if Tehran does not quickly agree to a peace deal with the United States.

"For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won't be anything left of them," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. "TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!"

UAE says drone that hit nuclear site crossed western border

Published: May 17, 2026 | 15:30 GMT | by AFP

The UAE's Ministry of Defense said a drone that hit an electrical generator at a nuclear power station on Sunday was one of three that had crossed the country's western border.

"Investigations are underway to determine the source of the attacks," the ministry said in a statement.

"The Ministry of Defence announced that on 17th May 2026, UAE air defence systems intercepted three UAVs that entered the country from the western border direction," it said.

"Two were successfully intercepted while the third struck an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra area."

Read our May 17 live blog for earlier developments here.