London — Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has raised serious concerns over a growing pattern of attacks on nuclear facilities amid rising global conflicts.
Speaking in London, Grossi described deliberate strikes on nuclear power plants as “incredibly dangerous and reckless,” warning of potential transboundary radiological consequences. His comments follow a drone attack on May 17, 2026, on Abu Dhabi’s Barakah nuclear power plant, which caused a fire outside the main perimeter but was swiftly contained with no reported radiation leak.
Grossi praised the UAE’s rapid response but stressed that such incidents represent a dangerous escalation. He also referenced ongoing risks at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia plant and recent activity near Iran’s Bushehr facility.
The IAEA chief is scheduled to visit the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar this week to strengthen nuclear safety cooperation. Grossi, who is also campaigning to become the next UN Secretary-General, emphasized the need for stronger international safeguards to protect critical nuclear infrastructure.
