Qatar reaffirms solidarity with the UAE

The position was outlined by Jassim Yaqoub Al Hammadi, Qatar's Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Vienna, during an emergency session of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The session was convened at the request of several Arab member states to discuss the implications of the attack on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant.

Ambassador Al Hammadi noted that Qatar joined a joint statement delivered by the UAE's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability on behalf of the UAE, Jordan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. He also reaffirmed Qatar's full solidarity with the government and people of the UAE.

Attack violates international law and nuclear safety principles

The ambassador stressed that the security of the UAE is an integral part of the security of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and the wider region.

He emphasised that targeting peaceful nuclear facilities constitutes a violation of international law, the United Nations Charter, and the principles of nuclear safety and security enshrined in the IAEA Statute and relevant resolutions.

He warned that attacks on operational nuclear facilities pose serious risks to civilians, the environment, and regional and international security, and could potentially result in radiological consequences.

Qatar welcomes IAEA response and calls for diplomacy

Ambassador Al Hammadi commended the IAEA for its swift response in monitoring developments, assessing the impact of the attack, and supporting emergency preparedness and response efforts. He also praised the IAEA Director General for his continued attention to nuclear safety and security issues.

The ambassador welcomed the Director General's reaffirmation that nuclear facilities and infrastructure essential to nuclear safety must never be targeted in military operations under any circumstances.

Concluding his remarks, he stressed that dialogue, diplomacy, and adherence to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter remain the only sustainable path toward achieving lasting peace and stability in the region and addressing the root causes of crises.