Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, PR of Latvia to the United Nations at UN Security Council Briefing on The Situation in the Middle East (Attack Against UAE)
New York, 19 May 2026
Thank you, Mr. President.
Allow me to thank the Presidency for convening this urgent meeting so promptly. I also thank the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi for his briefing today.
First and foremost, Latvia reiterates its steadfast solidarity with the UAE and all our partners in the Gulf. We strongly and unequivocally condemn Iran’s numerous unprovoked attacks against countries in the region.
Any and all strikes against civilian nuclear infrastructure are completely unacceptable and illegal. The reckless attack on the Barakah power plant in the UAE represents a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict. A strike on a nuclear power plant poses immense risks to civilians, with the potential to inflict far-reaching long-term consequences to the region. As stated by the Secretary-General, it is a clear violation of international law and international humanitarian law, which provides special protection to nuclear installations precisely because of the potentially devastating consequences in cases of damage.
Mr President,
Immediate de-escalation and an immediate cessation of all hostilities are urgently needed. The ceasefire must be observed by all parties, including various proxy elements. We support continued negotiations to find a sustainable solution to security concerns around Iran’s nuclear programme, ballistic missile programme, and the regime’s destabilising activities in the region and beyond. The global disruptions stemming from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran continue to undermine global energy and food security and harm those most vulnerable around the globe. The latest attack on the UAE is a stark reminder of the need for dialogue and negotiated peace.
This attack against a nuclear power plant in the UAE once again illustrates the profound similarities between the unprovoked strikes against the Gulf and those perpetrated by Russia against Ukraine’s civilian nuclear energy infrastructure. Russian aggression and hostile actions in Ukraine’s nuclear energy infrastructure objects threaten the whole of Europe with radiological disasters of unimaginable consequence.
Latvia reaffirms its call for the protection of civilians, civilian nuclear installations and freedom of navigation, and the need for this Council's unity in the face of such blatant violations of international law.
I thank you!