New york: The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency briefing at the request of the Kingdom of Bahrain to discuss the terrorist drone attack targeting the perimeter of the Barakah peaceful nuclear power plant in Al Dhafra region of the United Arab Emirates on May 17.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the session included a briefing by Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on the attack and its implications for regional and international peace and security, particularly nuclear safety and security.
Ambassador Jamal Fares Al Rowaiei, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations in New York, delivered the Kingdom of Bahrain's statement in which it strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a dangerous and unjustified escalation, a flagrant violation of the UN Charter, including Article 2 (4), and a breach of UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026). It stressed that the attack posed a direct threat to international nuclear safety principles related to the protection of peaceful nuclear facilities.
The statement reaffirmed Bahrain's full solidarity with the United Arab Emirates, emphasising that the UAE's security is an integral part of GCC security. It also reiterated Bahrain's condemnation of drone attacks targeting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on May 17.
It commended the UAE authorities for their transparency and swift coordination with the IAEA and GCC states, noting that no abnormal radiation levels had been detected. UAE authorities confirmed that two drones were intercepted, while a third struck an electricity generator outside the plant's inner security perimeter, causing a fire that was quickly contained without affecting the reactors or nuclear safety systems.
The statement also expressed deep concern over the inconsistency within the international community, noting that attacks against civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities in the Gulf were taking place while the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference was underway and amid calls by some parties to uphold nuclear safety standards.
It further highlighted a series of Iranian attacks targeting GCC countries and Jordan since February 28, including attacks on civilian infrastructure, energy facilities, and international maritime routes. It warned that the escalating pattern of attacks threatens regional stability, global energy security, and international supply chains.
The statement also referred to the April 5 attack on the Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) facility in Bahrain, including the targeting of an ammonia tank, warning that the incident could have caused catastrophic human and environmental consequences without preventive measures taken by Bahraini authorities.
It reaffirmed the inherent right of GCC states to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter and called on the Security Council and the international community to take a firm and clear stance to protect civilian and peaceful nuclear facilities, prevent further attacks, and safeguard regional and international peace and security.