IAEA Chief Warns of Rising Nuclear Armament
ISTANBUL — International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi warned on Friday that global nuclear armament is increasing rather than decreasing, following a meeting with Pope Leo XIV.
“Overall, we are seeing an increase in nuclear armament instead of disarmament. Countries are upgrading and expanding their nuclear arsenals,” Grossi told Vatican News after the meeting.
He added that even countries without nuclear weapons are discussing the possibility and perceived necessity of acquiring them.
“Many nations, including key countries in the West, Asia, and other regions, are considering that having nuclear weapons might become necessary. This trend must be stopped,” Grossi emphasized.
He stressed that curbing the global expansion of nuclear weapons is “crucial.”
Grossi also raised concerns about the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, warning that it remains highly vulnerable due to the ongoing conflict. “Looking at the map, this nuclear plant is right on the frontline, making the risk of an incident extremely high,” he said.
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