The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog has issued a stark warning that rising global instability could trigger a new nuclear arms race, with potentially up to 20 countries pursuing atomic weapons.


Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said increasing geopolitical tensions and weakening trust in global security frameworks risk undermining decades of non-proliferation efforts, the Telegraph reports.


He warned that discussions in several countries about acquiring nuclear weapons could signal a dangerous shift.



Grossi described the current global climate as one of “fragmentation, conflict, polarisation,” adding that such conditions could push nations to reconsider their security strategies.



The warnings come amid growing debate within countries such as Poland, South Korea, and Japan over whether to develop independent nuclear deterrents.


Under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), 191 countries have committed not to acquire nuclear weapons, while five recognised nuclear-weapon states — the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China — are obligated to pursue disarmament.


However, Grossi cautioned that adherence to the treaty is weakening.



Grossi highlighted several areas of concern, including China’s growing nuclear arsenal and North Korea’s rapid weapons development.



On North Korea, he warned:



Turning to the Middle East, Grossi stressed that any nuclear agreement between the United States and Iran would lack credibility without IAEA oversight.



He said the agency remains uniquely positioned to ensure compliance:



Grossi also cautioned about the risks associated with potential military action targeting nuclear facilities:



The IAEA is also continuing investigations in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government. Inspectors have identified remnants of a suspected undeclared nuclear programme.


Grossi confirmed that some materials may still be missing. 


With roughly 12,000 nuclear warheads worldwide — most held by the United States and Russia — Grossi warned that further proliferation would significantly heighten global risks.


He reiterated that preventing the spread of nuclear weapons must remain a priority:


“I think a world with less nuclear weapons is better than a world with more.”


By Sabina Mammadli