International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi addressed the United Nations Security Council following a drone strike incident near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates.The attack reportedly caused a fire in an electrical generator located outside the plant’s inner security perimeter.

Although the damage did not directly affect the reactor units, emergency diesel generators were activated to maintain power for Unit 3 until off-site electricity was restored.Authorities confirmed that radiation levels remained normal throughout the incident and no injuries were reported.

The UAE has stated that its investigation indicates the drones involved originated from Iraqi territory, with some additional drones intercepted before reaching their targets.Grossi emphasized that the situation highlights serious vulnerabilities at nuclear facilities located in conflict-prone regions.

He warned that a direct hit on an operating nuclear power plant could have catastrophic consequences due to the presence of large quantities of nuclear material, including reactor cores and spent fuel.

According to Grossi, disruption of external power supplies could significantly increase the risk of core damage or meltdown scenarios, potentially leading to substantial radioactive releases into the environment.

He noted that such an event could necessitate large-scale protective measures, including evacuations, sheltering of populations, iodine distribution, radiation monitoring over hundreds of kilometers, and possible restrictions on food supplies.

The IAEA has been actively engaging with regional governments to assess emergency preparedness and response capabilities, and Grossi announced plans to visit the Gulf region to continue cooperation efforts.

The incident has raised broader concerns about the security of critical nuclear infrastructure in regions affected by military tensions and drone warfare, underscoring the need for strengthened international safeguards and risk mitigation strategies.