Abdullah bin Zayed condemns drone attack in call with IAEA chief

May 17, 2026 / 8:03 PM

Sharjah24-WAM: His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a phone call with Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), during which he strongly condemned the unprovoked terrorist attack that caused a fire in an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region following a drone strike. No injuries were reported, and there was no impact on radiological safety levels.

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed affirmed that targeting civilian facilities and vital infrastructure constitutes a flagrant violation of international law. He stressed the UAE’s full right to respond to these terrorist attacks and to take all necessary measures to protect its security, territorial integrity and citizens, in accordance with international law.

The two sides also discussed the UAE-IAEA cooperation and ways to further enhance it across various fields in support of the peaceful use of nuclear energy, in line with the highest international standards of safety, security and non-proliferation.

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan reaffirmed the UAE’s steadfast commitment to supporting the IAEA’s pivotal role in promoting nuclear safety and security at both regional and international levels.