Grossi distances IAEA from debate over US nuclear weapons in Eastern Europe

The U.N. nuclear watchdog has no role in discussions over possible deployment of U.S. nuclear weapons to Poland and the Baltic states, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said on June 6, The Eastern Herald reports.

“We are not involved, we are not a nuclear weapon organisation,” Grossi told reporters. “These matters are in the realm of the defence policies of these countries.”

His comments come days after the Financial Times reported that Washington had signalled openness to expanding NATO nuclear-sharing arrangements beyond the six European countries that currently host U.S. dual-capable aircraft. According to the report, Poland and the Baltic states have shown the strongest interest.

The prospect of extending nuclear-sharing closer to Russia’s borders has fuelled diplomatic debate across Europe, with Moscow warning that such moves would provoke a response.

Grossi drew a distinction between the IAEA’s mandate and NATO’s defence planning, noting that the agency oversees civilian nuclear programmes under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), while nuclear-sharing arrangements fall outside its remit.

Under NATO’s existing framework, U.S. nuclear weapons remain under Washington’s control while being hosted by allied countries. The IAEA has no inspection authority or consultative role in such arrangements.

The discussions come as NATO’s eastern members seek stronger security guarantees amid concerns over a reduced U.S. conventional military presence in Europe. Poland has been among the most vocal advocates of deeper American security commitments, including the potential deployment of U.S. nuclear assets.

France has also proposed closer nuclear deterrence cooperation with European allies, including information sharing, joint exercises and the possible temporary deployment of French nuclear-capable aircraft to Poland, while maintaining that any decision to use nuclear weapons would remain solely with the French president.

The Financial Times reported that no agreement on expanding NATO nuclear-sharing was imminent and that some officials viewed the discussions primarily as a political reassurance measure.

Any expansion would require significant infrastructure, training and certification arrangements, making it a long-term undertaking, according to recent reports by Defence News.

By Aghakazim Guliyev