UAE Launches Probe Into Attack

The UAE did not directly blame any particular country, nor has any particular group taken responsibility for the attack. Investigation to find out the origin of drones is ongoing. The Defence Ministry said that two drones were intercepted and another struck an electrical generator near the nuclear power plant, the ministry added it was from the 'western border' without further explanation of where this was. According to Abu Dhabi Media Office the electrical generator was located outside the nuclear power plant's protected inner area.

IAEA Reports Safe Radiation Levels

The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed the drone hit the facility with one of its reactors switching over to emergency generators.

"Military activity that threatens nuclear safety is unacceptable. The IAEA has been informed by the UAE that radiation levels at the Barakah NPP (nuclear power plant) remain normal and no injuries were reported," the agency said.

Barakah Is Arab World’s First Plant

Built by the UAE with the aid of South Korea at $20 billion, the Barakah nuclear power plant went live in 2020 and is the first and only nuclear power plant on the Arabian peninsula. The nuclear power plant can supply electricity for up to a quarter of the UAE's energy demands. 

It is the first commercial nuclear power plant within the Arab world and is located 200km to the west of the capital Abu Dhabi near the borders of Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Peace Talks Fail To Ease Crisis

This latest drone strike occurred while negotiations continue to try and broker a lasting peace in Iran, with America urging Iran to roll back its nuclear program and ease pressure on shipping lanes around the Strait of Hormuz and Iran calling for reparations for damage from war and an end to pressure from America's ports. US president Donald Trump has declared further military action a distinct possibility should the war continue on its current trajectory.

UAE Faces Repeated Drone Attacks

Since joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran occurred on Feb 28, Iran has made repeated strikes targeting the UAE and other countries bordering the Persian Gulf which host US bases, causing casualties among civilians and on energy infrastructure. 

Targets hit on the UAE, which intensified throughout this month, came following the launch of the US naval initiative to secure the Strait of Hormuz, which only lasted for 48 hours before being called off by President Trump.

The 31 article decree, called 'Principles of Separation Between Spouses' has been passed by the Taliban supremo Hibatullah Akhundzada and has recently been printed in the regime's official gazette. The decree covers issues such as child marriage, the whereabouts of an absent husband, adultery, apostasy and forced separation. 

Silence Treated As Consent For Marriage

One of the more contentious points states that a 'virgin girl' who remains silent after reaching puberty could have her consent presumed for the marriage. However, for a boy or for a married woman this is not automatically assumed to be the case. Rights campaigners have condemned the new law. Political Commentator Fahima Mahomed explained that consent cannot exist in child marriage. This idea that silence constitutes agreement, basically silences girls altogether and takes away their right to agency. 

Child Marriage Annulment Needs Court Approval

The ruling refers to the Islamic concept of Khiyar al-bulugh or 'option upon puberty' which allows individuals married as children to annul their marriages when they reach adulthood. Under article 5, Marriages made with minors, if by someone other than a father or grandfather, are valid, provided they are suitable to society and of proper dowry. However, an annulment cannot take place without an order of a Taliban court. An invalid marriage was also said to include that of an 'incompatible' person, and marriage made for an improper dowry. 

Fathers and Taliban Judges Gain Authority

The role of fathers and grandfathers in arranging child marriages was significant, however these were able to be declared invalid if a guardian was found abusive or morally corrupt. Taliban judges were also able to step in where an allegation of adultery had occurred, or a change of religion had occurred and where the husband of the marriage had gone missing for a protracted length of time. 

Global Concern Over Taliban Women Policies

The ruling has been passed at a time when the Taliban are receiving increasing international condemnation over their stance on women's rights following their takeover in August 2021, including bans on girls attending secondary schools and universities, restricted work opportunities and a serious decline in public visibility.

Social Media Users Turned The Giant Ruby Into Meme Material

Soon after the ruby photos surfaced online, social media users started reacting in funny and creative ways. One user joked that the ruby looked “like a strawberry on steroids”. Another person called it a “spoiled strawberry”, while someone else compared it to a “dragon fruit”. A few comments even tagged businesswoman Nita Ambani and joked that the gemstone could become her next luxury fashion piece. Some users were simply amazed. Comments like “Wow”, “Earth has hidden many things inside herself” and “This looks super cool” quickly spread across platforms. Many viewers could not believe such a massive ruby was real.

Internet Users Also Raised Questions About Myanmar’s Political Situation

While many people enjoyed the discovery, others linked the ruby news with Myanmar’s ongoing political and economic crisis. One user wrote that “rebel wars will always continue there” because gemstone regions remain highly valuable. Another comment said the government was “showcasing gems while the economy crashes.” Some users discussed Myanmar’s military coup and sanctions, saying the gemstone discovery became more than just mining news. A finance-focused account described the ruby as a “geopolitical talking point” instead of an investment opportunity. These reactions showed how global audiences now connect even gemstone discoveries with larger political events happening inside countries.

Curious Viewers Asked About The Ruby’s Future And Market Value

Many online users became curious about what would happen to the ruby next. Some asked whether experts would cut the stone into smaller gems or preserve it as one giant piece. Others wondered about its possible market value. One user called the discovery “insane” and questioned how much collectors might pay for such a rare stone. Experts say large rubies are extremely difficult to find because most stones contain cracks or uneven colouring. That is why this Myanmar ruby has become such a major talking point. The country’s Ministry of Information also highlighted its rarity and high quality in its official statement.

Public Reactions Mixed Wonder, Humour And Global Attention

The internet response became a mix of excitement, jokes, criticism, and admiration. Some users praised the natural beauty of the ruby and called it a “miracle of Earth”. One Japanese user wrote that even for Mogok, this kind of discovery was historic. Others continued making humorous remarks and memes around the stone’s appearance. A few users discussed Myanmar’s economy and political condition more than the ruby itself. This mix of reactions showed how modern social media turns every global event into a worldwide discussion within hours. From gemstone lovers to meme creators, everyone seemed to have something to say about Myanmar’s massive ruby discovery.

Leavitt Announces Birth Of Daughter

On Thursday, the White House Press Secretary announced the arrival of her child, a daughter named Viviana and posted a photo of her cradling the baby daughter to her breast in a nursery and thanking people who sent her prayers throughout her pregnancy.

Leavitt said, “On May 1st, Viviana aka 'Vivi' joined our family, and our hearts instantly exploded with love".

"She is perfect and healthy, and her big brother is joyfully adjusting to life with his new baby sister. We are enjoying every moment in our blissful newborn bubble," she added on social media platform X.

Iran Links Baby Post To Minab Tragedy

Iran congratulated Leavitt on the birth of her daughter and criticized her on the school bombing in Minab claiming that the children killed there were no different from her daughter.

The Iranian Embassy in Armenia said, " Congratulations to you. Children are innocent and lovable. Those 168 children that your boss killed in the school in Minab, and you justified, were also children. When you kiss your baby, think of the mothers of those children" on X.

Minab School Strike Claimed Many Lives

73 boys and 47 girls died in the air raid on an elementary school in Minab on 28 February. The bombing was carried out as the USA and Israel launched attacks on targets across Iran. Retaliating against this, Tehran launched air strikes against targets in Israel and countries in the Gulf.

In addition to the children killed there were 26 teachers, 7 parents, a school bus driver and a pharmacy worker at the clinic beside the school.

Leavitt Earlier Defended US Military Actions

Last month before taking her maternity leave Leavitt, as White House Press Secretary, was one of the key faces that relentlessly pushed the war policy of the Trump administration. In March in response to a question from the press regarding the US role in the bombing of the Minab school bombing stated that the US was not targeting civilians.

"While the Department of War is currently investigating this matter, the Iranian regime targets civilians and children, not the United States of America," Leavitt had said.

An Indian ship MV Gautam had developed a complete breakdown in technology while on its way from Oman to India and thus got stuck in the sea.

Pakistan Navy Sends Rescue Support

The Pakistan Navy provided rescue and assistance to the stranded crew of 6 Indians and 1 Indonesian upon being contacted by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mumbai asking them for support.

After the alert, the Pakistan Navy responded swiftly by dispatching the ship PMSS Kashmir to carry out the rescue mission. Food, medicine and other supplies were provided to the MV Gautam in order to ensure the well being of the stranded crew and also stabilize the vessel, it was added.

The Pakistani Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) is also understood to have lent its support to the rescue efforts.

ICG Discovers Fault in Main Generator 

The ICG was apparently informed of the incident at 11:22pm on May 4th and also learned that the incident happened due to the failure of the generator on May 3rd leading to a complete power failure onboard MV Gautam, said NDTV sources. At the time the incident happened, MV Gautam was in Pakistan's Search and Rescue Region (SRR). 

ICG Ship Rajratan Sent for Assistance

The ICG ship Rajratan was dispatched in response and on approaching the ship was able to see that it had limited use of communication, primarily restricted to VHF radio and AIS on battery backup.

"It was further ascertained that technical personnel from the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) had boarded the vessel. Following assessment, the main generator was declared beyond repair," the sources said.

PM Modi Condemns Civilian Targeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also denounced the strike, calling "unacceptable" the targeting of civilians and infrastructure.

Modi said on social media platform X, "Strongly condemn the attacks on the UAE that resulted in injuries to three Indian nationals. Targeting civilians and infrastructure is unacceptable.

India stands in firm solidarity with the UAE and reiterates its support for the peaceful resolution of all issues through dialogue and diplomacy. Ensuring safe and unimpeded navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is vital for enduring regional peace, stability and global energy security."

MEA Calls Strike Unacceptable

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had described the attack as "unacceptable". In the statement New Delhi stated it still stands for diplomacy and dialogue to overcome the situation so that peace and stability can be restored all over the Middle East.

Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "The attack on Fujairah that resulted in injury to three Indian nationals is unacceptable. We call for immediate cessation of these hostilities and the targeting of civilian infrastructure and innocent civilians," in a post on X.

UAE Reports Missile Interceptions

On Friday, a large fire broke out at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone as authorities stated that it had occurred due to a drone attack from Iran. For the first time, an attack occurred with that magnitude of damage in the UAE since a cease-fire was in progress last month.

The UAE Ministry of Defence had reported that 12 Ballistic missiles, four drones and three cruise missiles had been detected while entering the country and had been intercepted yesterday. Residents all over the UAE received an emergency warning – since the ceasefire had been active – that urged them to seek shelter away from windows and open spaces.

UAE Warns of Strong Response

The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned the drone and missile strikes by Iran. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they deemed it as a serious escalation and violation of the UN Charter and International law and said it threatened the safety and stability of the nation. 

UAE made it clear that it would not tolerate such actions and has kept its right to react according to the international laws for protecting its region and residents. Furthermore it declared targeting citizens and infrastructure a transgression that is not acceptable under legal and human aspects, thus asking for an instant ceasefire and putting the complete responsibility on Iran for the attack and the results thereof.

Araghchi Accused Of Bypassing Iran Presidency

According to Iran International, the president and speaker claim that Araghchi acted behind their backs in negotiating with Washington over nuclear talks, by implementing directives from the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC).

Pezeshkian and Ghalibaf claim that Araghchi deliberately circumvented the presidency for the last two weeks, acting more like an aide, rather than a government minister, for the IRGC's head, Ahmad Vahidi. According to sources Araghchi has been executing orders from Vahidi without informing Pezeshkian, who allegedly plans to sack him if the latter continues. There is no official comment from the Iranian authorities, so far.

Pezeshkian Raises Wartime Governance Concerns

This sort of rift in Iran's administration is not new. Reports from March 28 clearly indicate that Pezeshkian and Vahidi were having sharp disagreements on war management and the ensuing socio-economic fallouts of the latter. According to the sources Pezeshkian expressed increasing dissatisfaction over "a complete political deadlock" and the loss of control over key positions in government during wartime.

According to those sources, Vahidi stated that owing to the sensitive circumstances, key managerial positions were to be managed directly by the Revolutionary Guard until further notice.

Ghalibaf Quits Negotiation Team Amid Disputes

Exacerbating the issues, Iran International claims that the Parliament Speaker, Ghalibaf, stepped down as chief of the negotiations team following a rebuff for including nuclear energy in the talks. It was after Ghalibaf relinquished his post as chief of the team that Araghchi purportedly tried to step up as the negotiations chief.

Araghchi later travelled on his own to Islamabad on April 24 to convey Tehran's proposal to Pakistan officials. As per media sources, the US President rejected the proposal. Although there has been no official confirmation over attempts to dismiss Araghchi, the disputes reportedly point to escalating leadership struggle within the administration during sensitive geopolitical times coupled with frozen talks with the US.