IAEA Warns About Risks Of Increasing Nuclear-Armed Countries

2025-11-16 03:03:37

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) VIENNA, Nov 16 (KUNA) -- Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi warned on Sunday of a new phase of nuclear proliferation that could see between 20 to 25 countries owning nuclear weapons, compared to only nine countries today.
This came in during Grossi's interview with Italian newspaper La Repubblica, confirming that the likelihood of a nuclear conflict is now higher than ever.
He pointed out that some countries in Asia and the Gulf region have become technically close to having the capability to manufacture a nuclear bomb despite their commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
The agency fears a "domino effect" that could ignite a regional nuclear arms race, especially if Iran acquires nuclear weapons or if the United States changes its traditional security commitments in East Asia.
Grossi added that the IAEA calls for transparency and adherence to international agreements, and that the world is approaching "sensitive and unpredictable phase" unless serious steps are taken to prevent a new nuclear arms race. (end)
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