Pakistan condemns drone strike on UAE nuclear plant, warns against targeting atomic facilities

Pakistan condemned a drone strike near the UAE's Barakah nuclear power plant at a UN Security Council briefing, warning that attacks on nuclear facilities carry severe legal, environmental and security consequences.

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad addressed the Council on Tuesday, expressing solidarity with the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The drone struck the facility on May 17, triggering a fire but causing no injuries or radiation leak.

What did Pakistan say about the UAE nuclear plant drone attack?

Pakistan's UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad told the Security Council that the inviolability of civilian nuclear infrastructure is a well-established international norm that must be upheld without exception.

He warned that targeting nuclear facilities constitutes a grave violation of international law and could have "catastrophic and irreversible consequences" for human life, the environment, and global peace and security. Pakistan said such attacks require urgent international attention.

Ahmad said Islamabad stood in "complete solidarity" with the UAE following the incident. He also strongly condemned separate drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, saying they appeared aimed at undermining regional stability. "Pakistan stands in solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirms its full and unwavering support for the Kingdom's security, peace and prosperity," he said.

What happened in the drone attack on the Barakah nuclear plant?

A drone struck an external electrical generator at Barakah on Sunday, May 17, triggering a localized fire and briefly requiring the use of emergency diesel generators before off-site power was restored. No injuries were reported and radiation levels remained within normal limits throughout the incident. Barakah is the Arab world's first commercial nuclear power plant, located in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE said six drones had been launched toward its territory from Iraq within 48 hours, including three aimed at the Barakah plant. Its defense ministry said most were intercepted. The Council meeting was convened at the request of Bahrain following the reported incident.

What did the IAEA and UAE say at the Security Council?

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi told the Council that attacks on nuclear facilities dedicated to peaceful purposes were "unacceptable" and described the Barakah incident as deeply concerning, according to state-run Pakistan TV.

He confirmed that radiation levels remained normal and no injuries had occurred, adding that the agency was in close contact with Emirati officials. "This is an operating nuclear power plant, and as such, it hosts thousands of kilograms of nuclear material," Grossi said.

UAE Ambassador Mohamed Issa Abushahab condemned what he called an "unlawful, unprovoked terrorist attack" near the facility. He described the deliberate targeting of civilian objects as a flagrant violation of international law and "a red line." He stressed that Barakah was protected by multiple layers of safety systems and warned that the absence of catastrophic consequences should not diminish the gravity of the attack.

What is Pakistan's broader position on regional diplomacy?

Beyond condemning the attack, Ahmad said Pakistan had been working to facilitate diplomatic engagement between relevant parties and thanked partners and the UN Secretary-General for their support.

He urged all parties to exercise restraint, comply with international law, and avoid steps that could further escalate tensions. "We will continue to play our constructive role to facilitate dialogue between the parties for a fruitful outcome," he said.