IAEA chief praises UAE's commitment to nuclear safety, security

Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has praised the UAE's commitment to the highest standards of transparency, nuclear safety and security.

He made the remarks during an official visit to the UAE, which included a tour of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, where he reviewed the facilities and met with Emirati engineers and specialists.

Grossi praised the progress achieved by the UAE in developing its peaceful nuclear energy programme in accordance with the highest international standards, as well as its commitment to close international cooperation in this field.

The IAEA chief described last month's blatant drone attack targeting the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, as a serious violation of international laws and norms and a direct threat to regional security and stability, as well as to the safety of critical civilian infrastructure.

"Targeting nuclear facilities constitutes an extremely dangerous escalation that affects regional and international security and threatens public safety. It requires a firm international response rejecting such irresponsible acts," he stated.

At the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE 🇦🇪, where a drone strike on 17 May highlighted once again why nuclear facilities must never be targeted and why such attacks are completely unacceptable.

Thanks to the professionalism and swift action of the @ENEC_UAE and @FANRUAE,… pic.twitter.com/ufyWSylxWI

— Rafael Mariano Grossi (@rafaelmgrossi) June 2, 2026

Grossi also held a meeting in Abu Dhabi with His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The two sides discussed cooperation between the UAE and the IAEA and explored ways to further strengthen collaboration in support of the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

They reviewed the impact of attacks carried out by Iran against civilian sites and facilities in the UAE using missiles and drones, and the threat they pose to regional security, international shipping, energy supplies and the global economy.

The meeting also addressed a drone attack launched from Iraqi territory that targeted the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Al Dhafra.

The attack struck an electricity generator outside the plant's inner perimeter, with no casualties reported and no impact on radiation safety levels.

Grossi underscored the need to safeguard civilian nuclear facilities from threats and hostile acts in order to support international security and stability.

Abdullah bin Zayed received @rafaelmgrossi, and discussed the implications of Iran’s unprovoked terrorist attacks targeting civilian sites and facilities in the UAE, as well as the impact on international maritime security, energy supplies, and the global economy. Both sides also… pic.twitter.com/8ixWy0TF6q

— OFM (@OFMUAE) June 2, 2026