Disaster narrowly averted in United Arab Emirates, Nuclear Energy Watchdog Chief, Grossi tells Security Council

By R Anil Kumar

New York, May 19, 2026. A nuclear disaster with potentially harrowing human and environmental impacts was narrowly averted this week in the United Arab Emirates, as Iranian drones struck a functioning nuclear power plant, the senior UN nuclear safety official told an emergency meeting of the Security Council.

Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), outlined the “gravely concerning” drone attacks on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant on 17 May. Emphasizing the serious risks posed by such an attack — and the close call just experienced — he said that, to date, nuclear radiation levels remain normal and no injuries were reported.

While the strike resulted in a localized fire and emergency diesel generators were briefly needed to provide power to parts of the Barakah facility, off-site power has now been restored. IAEA is in close contact with senior Emirati officials and leaders across the region, many of whom have voiced their grave concern.

Attacks on Peaceful Nuclear Sites ‘Unacceptable’

“This is an operating nuclear power plant, and as such, it hosts thousands of kilogrammes of nuclear material,” he said. In the case of a direct hit to the Barakah plant, a substantial release of nuclear radioactivity is possible. Evacuations, population sheltering, food restrictions and other serious response measures could be needed.

“Attacks on nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes are unacceptable,” he stressed. Ahead of the latest incident, IAEA has spent months analysing emergency preparedness, creating emergency response plans and preparing for the provision of equipment and services.

“We stand ready, if necessary, to deploy the Agency’s nuclear safety and security experts to support nuclear safety efforts on the ground,” he said. However, he emphasized that the only sustainable path forward is one grounded in dialogue and diplomacy.

Council representatives, joined by the representative of the United Arab Emirates, also took the floor to react to the briefing.

“This very well could have been [a meeting] where we were discussing the meltdown of a nuclear reactor,” said the representative of the United States, voicing gratitude that was not the case. Strongly condemning Iran’s actions, he asked: “What responsible [and] sane nation, either directly or indirectly through proxies, sends drone attacks into an active nuclear power plant?” The world is left to assume that Iran, unable to create its own nuclear weapon, is now looking for a “clever and dangerous” way to weaponize a nuclear power plant.

While the United States has been repeatedly second guessed in this conflict, this latest attack only reveals that its goals are, indeed, appropriate. “We will continue to fight in this Council and in every appropriate diplomatic forum for Iran to abide by its obligations under international law,” he said, calling on all Council members to call out Iran’s destabilizing behaviour.

Barakah Attack ‘Red Line’, Abu Dhabi Says, as Delegates Condemn Breach of Nuclear Norms, Urge Restraint

“The absence of catastrophic consequences should not diminish the gravity of this attack,” said Abu Dhabi’s representative. Condemning the Barakah attack as a “red line” for his country, he emphasized that Barakah — which provides around 25 per cent of the United Arab Emirates’ clean electricity — today remains safe, stable and operational.

Bahrain’s delegate stressed that the protection of peaceful nuclear facilities is a collective international responsibility. Condemning the Barakah attack in the strongest terms, he commended the United Arab Emirates’s efficiency and transparency, noting that its Government immediately contacted IAEA and neighbouring countries. However, since the war began, Iran has demonstrated a “systematic policy based on incremental escalation”, targeting Gulf Cooperation Council countries, maritime corridors and civilian infrastructure.

The representatives of India, Denmark, Panama, France and Pakistan all strongly condemned the drone attack on the Barakah nuclear plant, emphasizing that nuclear installations must never be targeted. “The inviolability of civilian nuclear infrastructure is a well-established international norm and must be upheld without exception,” the delegates stressed, adding that such escalation demands “serious introspection and action” by the international community.

“The reckless attack on a nuclear power plant in the [United Arab Emirates] represents a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict,” said Latvia’s delegate, stressing that it poses immense risks to civilians and wider regional stability. Reiterating her country’s steadfast solidarity with its Gulf partners, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, she joined other speakers in demanding an immediate de-escalation and a cessation of all hostilities.

Calls to Protect Civilians, Uphold International Law

The representative of the United Kingdom called on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to apply, respect and uphold international law. “Resolution 2817 (2026) is clear,” he said. “Iran must cease all attacks, including in the Strait of Hormuz.” Those attacks threaten global security and prosperity, increase economic pressure on the most vulnerable and put civilians in danger.

Colombia’s delegate, echoed by the representative of Greece, underscored the highly sensitive nature of critical nuclear infrastructure. “Any impact on their physical integrity and their electric-power-supply systems can unleash colossal humanitarian environmental consequences that are transboundary in nature,” he warned.

Meanwhile, the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, also speaking for Liberia and Somalia, voiced concern that the Barakah attack could imperil diplomatic progress steadily being made in a series of negotiations.

Moscow Points to United States, Israel Targeting of Iran Nuclear Sites, as Beijing Calls for Dialogue

The representative of the Russian Federation agreed that targeting peaceful nuclear facilities in any country — especially those under IAEA safeguards — are categorically unacceptable. However, the incident under discussion today is “far from the first instance” of an attack against a civilian nuclear facility. In June 2025, the United States and Israel struck facilities and research centres at Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, Isfahan and Arak sites, he said, characterizing those attacks as equally illegal and reckless.

China’s representative, Council President for May, spoke in his national capacity, agreeing with many of those points. The sooner the war in the Middle East ends, the safer the entire region will be, he said, noting that the conflict began with illegal military attacks by the United States and Israel. All parties should refrain from irresponsible, threatening rhetoric and “military adventurism”, he stressed, calling for a diplomatic path forward.