Qatar condemns attack on UAE nuclear plant

State of Qatar has strongly renewed its condemnation of an attack on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates, saying that targeting peaceful nuclear facilities violates international law and international humanitarian law.

The remarks were delivered by Qatar’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations and international organisations in Vienna, Jassim Yaqoub Al-Hammadi, during an emergency session of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The session was convened at the request of several Arab member states to discuss the aftermath of the 17 May attack on the Barakah facility.

‘Violation of international law’

In his statement, the Qatari envoy described the targeting of civilian nuclear infrastructure as a breach of international legal norms, the UN Charter, and established principles of nuclear safety and security.

He warned that attacks on operational nuclear facilities carry “extreme danger” due to the potential risks to civilians, the environment, and wider regional and international security, including the possibility of radiation-related consequences.

Qatar also reiterated its full solidarity with the government and people of the United Arab Emirates, stressing that UAE security is an integral part of Gulf Cooperation Council stability and broader regional security.

Allegations and regional coordination

Ambassador Al-Hammadi said the attack was carried out by armed factions operating from Iraq using drones, and he reaffirmed Qatar’s participation in joint Arab statements presented during the session.

He also thanked Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco for requesting the emergency meeting and coordinating preparatory consultations.

Several Arab states jointly addressed the session alongside the UAE, calling for stronger international safeguards for nuclear facilities.

IAEA response welcomed

Qatar welcomed the rapid response of the IAEA in assessing the incident and monitoring its implications for nuclear safety and emergency preparedness.

The Ambassador also endorsed comments by the agency’s Director General that nuclear facilities must never be targeted under any circumstances.

He praised ongoing efforts by the IAEA to strengthen global nuclear safety and security systems.

Call for diplomacy and restraint

Qatar stressed that the protection of civilian nuclear infrastructure is a shared international responsibility, not limited to individual states.

The country urged the international community to take a unified stance to safeguard such facilities and prevent further escalation.

Reiterating its broader position, Qatar said that sustainable peace in the region can only be achieved through dialogue, diplomacy, adherence to international law, and commitment to the principles of the United Nations.