The director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has said safety and security experts stand ready to be deployed in the Gulf region, while calling for an end to attacks on nuclear plants following a drone strike in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Addressing the United Nations security council, IAEA director-general Rafael Grossi said there was still unease and great concern among leaders of the Gulf region following the 17 May drone strike which led to a fire at the four-unit Barakah nuclear power station.

While power has since been restored to Unit 3 at Barakah, Grossi warned of the consequences of a direct hit on a plant or of its electrical operations, which could result in a very high release of radioactivity in the environment.