IAEA chief warns of rising global nuclear threat amid Ukraine, Iran tensions

Rafael Grossi, the Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned of rising global interest in nuclear weapons amid growing geopolitical tensions, highlighting concerns over Ukraine and Iran.

While speaking at a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss Davos on January 21 on the growing issue, the Director General revealed that he would visit both Ukraine and Russia in the following weeks, Caliber.Az reports citing Ukrainian media outlets.

He in particular expressed the nuclear organization's deeply concerns about the ongoing military actions around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station in southeastern Ukraine, which is currently under the control of the Russian forces.

Speaking on this worrying trend, he mentioned Ukraine's relinquishing of nuclear weapons in the 1990s, stating, that Ukraine’s decision to give up it's nuclear weapons in the 1990s is now even being debated in light of the ongoing conflict with Russia in hindsight. According to the director, some parties question whether the country might have been more secure today had it retained them.

"The situation is deteriorating. Truly deteriorating. Some shared principles that existed even during times of conflict — for example, among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and other major European countries regarding nuclear weapons and non-proliferation — no longer hold. Times of heightened geostrategic tensions, such as the present, unfortunately make nuclear weapons more appealing. We must acknowledge this," Grossi said, reflecting on the current challenges to the non-proliferation regime.

Addressed pressures on nonproliferation amid rising geostrategic tensions at @wef #WEF25 Rubik's Cube of Global Security. In today’s complex geopolitical landscape, the nonproliferation regime remains indispensable and, despite challenges, it has served the global community well. pic.twitter.com/58oDiyHuTv

— Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) January 22, 2025

Grossi made a point to also highlight the growing nuclear armament discussions taking place in Asia and the Middle East, with nations like South Korea, Japan, and Iran contributing to heightened tensions. 

He also warned of the risk of a regional arms race, particularly if Iran were to acquire nuclear weapons, prompting others to follow suit, potentially including NATO members.

By Nazrin Sadigova