New York, USA – The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, commended the relevant authorities in the United Arab Emirates for their continued cooperation. He also praised them for providing the Agency with regular and timely technical information regarding the nuclear facilities affected by the attacks and their locations. He emphasized that immediate communication with the Agency’s Incident and Emergency Centre is of paramount importance.
Assessing the field situation at the Barakah station
Grossi’s remarks came during his official briefing to the UN Security Council last night. He informed the Council that the recent military attack on the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates had threatened the country’s nuclear safety and security.
Grossi reassured the international community, confirming that radiation levels at the plant remain within normal limits. He also stated that no human casualties had been reported.
The UN official noted that the drone strike on Sunday morning caused a small fire in a generator located outside the plant’s fortified inner structure. This prevented a radiological disaster. He affirmed that the agency will continue to provide public and transparent updates on the impact of this conflict on nuclear sites and its potential health and environmental consequences. Furthermore, it will maintain ongoing and direct consultations with governments in the region.
International warnings and an anticipated visit to the Gulf
Grossi firmly warned that military activities targeting nuclear power plants and other peaceful facilities carry undeniable catastrophic risks. He reiterated that such attacks are completely unacceptable, as these facilities are strictly protected under international humanitarian law, according to WAM. He also revealed that the IAEA has been gathering information, analyzing, and assessing emergency preparedness and response capabilities in the region since last year. He noted that he will visit the Gulf region soon to continue this joint work. Grossi concluded his briefing by calling on all parties to the conflict to exercise maximum restraint and fully respect the seven fundamental pillars established by the IAEA to ensure nuclear safety and security worldwide.
