The United Arab Emirates, the European Union, and 78 countries have issued a statement strongly condemning the attack carried out on 17 May 2026 by armed factions in Iraq using a drone, which targeted electrical infrastructure located outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates.
The statement affirmed that the attack constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, including the United Nations Charter, and threatens regional and international peace and security. The attack also entailed serious risks to civilian lives and civilian objects, in addition to the potential for serious cross-border radiological, environmental, and health consequences.
The signatories expressed grave concern over this dangerous escalation, calling for an immediate and permanent halt to all attacks directed against the United Arab Emirates, including attacks targeting nuclear facilities used exclusively for peaceful purposes.
They also called on states to refrain from any hostile acts or use of force contrary to the UN Charter, to fulfil their obligations under international law — including ensuring that their territories are not used by non-state actors to launch attacks against other states — and reaffirmed their unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the United Arab Emirates, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.
The statement commended the swift and transparent information provided by the United Arab Emirates to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), through its competent authorities, regarding the consequences of the attack, the successful measures taken to mitigate its effects, and radiation levels around the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, which remained within normal ranges.
The signatories expressed appreciation for the continued efforts of the UAE authorities to ensure the safe and secure operation of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant under IAEA safeguards and in accordance with the highest international standards, and welcomed the continued coordination between the Agency and the relevant UAE authorities.
They reaffirmed that the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant was designed, constructed, and is operated in accordance with the highest international standards, under the oversight of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation of the United Arab Emirates and in conformity with IAEA safety standards.
The signatories affirmed their support for the continued efforts of the IAEA and its Director General to monitor developments related to nuclear safety, nuclear security, and safeguards in member states. They called on all states to refrain from any actions that could jeopardise the safety and security of nuclear power plants used exclusively for peaceful purposes.
The statement noted that the drone attack targeting infrastructure near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant underscores the urgent importance of protecting nuclear infrastructure used exclusively for peaceful purposes from threats and hostile acts.
The signatories called for strengthening international cooperation aimed at protecting nuclear power plants used exclusively for peaceful purposes, and their associated sites and infrastructure, including through enhanced physical protection measures, emergency preparedness and response, and resilience and readiness measures.
The statement was signed by the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, the Union of the Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Egypt, Ecuador, Estonia, the European Union, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Marshall Islands, and Mauritius.
Also signing were the Republic of Moldova, Morocco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Palau, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Syrian Arab Republic, Tonga, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Uruguay, Vietnam, and Yemen.