Rafael Mariano Grossi (IAEA) on the situation…

"Thank you very much Mr President,
An attack on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates has threatened nuclear safety in the UAE. A drone strike on the morning of Sunday 17 May caused a fire in an electrical generator located outside the inner site perimeter of the plant. Radiation levels at the nuclear power plant remain normal and no injuries were reported. The use of emergency diesel generators to provide power to the NPP's unit 3 was necessary, but offsite power has since been restored – an important step for nuclear safety. Not long after the attack, I spoke on the phone with His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, assuring him of the IAEA's support.

Over the past few days, I have also been in contact with leaders throughout the Gulf region and I can see the unease and great concern. I have been discussing how the IAEA can offer further assistance. Since last year, the IAEA has been gathering information, as well as analysing and evaluating emergency preparedness and response capacities. I will be travelling to the Gulf soon to continue this important joint work. The IAEA will continue providing guidance and training to competent authorities and first responders in areas including: radiological impact, emergency protective measures for the public and workers, international emergency arrangements, emergency response plans, and provision of equipment and services to support emergency response.

We stand ready, if necessary, to deploy the Agency's nuclear safety and security experts to support nuclear safety efforts on the ground, in accordance with the IAEA's mandate. We have done this in other war theatres with good results. The IAEA's Incident and Emergency Centre in Vienna is operating 24/7. It is following the situation closely and is in constant contact with the UAE's authorities.

The situation is of grave concern. This is a nuclear site in the Middle East where the consequences of an attack could be most serious. It is an operating nuclear power plant and as such it hosts thousands of kilograms of nuclear material in the core of the reactors, fresh and spent fuel. I want to make it absolutely and completely clear: In case of an attack on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant a direct hit could result in a very high release of radioactivity to the environment.

A hit that disabled the lines supplying electrical power to the plant could increase the likelihood of its reactors' cores melting, which could result in a high release of radioactivity. In their worst cases, both scenarios would necessitate protective actions, such as evacuations and sheltering of the population or the need to take stable iodine, with the reach extending to distances from a few to several hundred kilometres. Radiation monitoring would need to cover distances of several hundred kilometres and food restrictions may need to be implemented.

As I have stated several times, including to this Council, attacks on nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes are unacceptable. This is consistent with the IAEA General Conference's resolutions. Attacks are even more dangerous when they are against operating nuclear power plants like Zaporizhzya NPP, Kursk NPP, Bushehr NPP, Barakah NPP or any other nuclear power plant. Nuclear Power Plants are protected under international humanitarian law.

I reiterate my calls for parties in all conflicts to respect the 7 indispensable pillars for ensuring nuclear safety and security, which I articulated both at the IAEA's Board of Governors and this Council.

I again, as I did in June 2025 when I last briefed this chamber, call on maximum restraint. Military activities against NPPs and other nuclear facilities carry undeniable risks.

I would like to commend the authorities of the UAE for providing the IAEA with timely and regular technical information about affected nuclear facilities and their respective sites. Immediate engagement with the IAEA's Incident and Emergency Center is of the essence - our teams are working around the clock, they are following the developments on the ground, and they are ready to deploy. I will continue to provide public updates about the impact of this conflict on nuclear sites and the possible health and environmental consequences, while remaining in permanent consultation with governments in the region.

Mr President, your excellencies, dear colleagues, It is clear that the only sustainable path forward to peace, stability, and cooperation is one grounded in dialogue and diplomacy. The International Atomic Energy Agency, as the international technical institution entrusted with overseeing the peaceful use of nuclear energy, remains a vital forum for this dialogue, especially now. There is a legitimate expectation of an overall diplomatic agreement adequately and robustly verified by the IAEA. Agreements without the verification of the exclusively peaceful use of nuclear material and facilities do not help. Engagement without prompt international evaluation and support can rapidly turn into regional crises.

In closing, Mr president, I would like to assure the Security Council that the IAEA will continue to do everything within its mandate to ensure the safety and security of nuclear facilities, especially those most at risk due to conflict, wherever it may take place. Thank you very much".