IAEA Warns of Increased Likelihood of Nuclear Conflict

SadaNews - The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned of a world that could include up to 25 nations armed with nuclear weapons.

Rafael Grossi said in an interview with the Italian daily "La Repubblica", published today, Sunday: "Without wanting to create panic, the risk of a nuclear conflict today is higher than it has been in the past."

Grossi pointed out that at some point 20 to 25 countries could possess nuclear weapons, although he did not specify a timeline. Currently, there are nine nuclear powers, according to numerous experts.

The IAEA chief stated that "disarmament or the organized reduction of nuclear arsenals has reached a dead end."

He added that "those who possess nuclear weapons are producing more of them, including China." He also noted that there is increasing informal talk about tactical nuclear strikes, which he described as concerning.

Grossi expressed his concern that leaders in many countries have declared their intention to possess nuclear weapons.