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IAEA Chief Warns Up to 25 Nations Could Seek Nuclear Arms as Risk Rises

A widely cited SIPRI tally counts nine nuclear-armed countries holding about 12,000 weapons.

Overview

  • Rafael Grossi says global nuclear disarmament has stalled and states with arsenals are increasing production, explicitly including China.
  • He reports hearing casual discussions of tactical nuclear strikes, which he calls a worrying sign.
  • Grossi cautions that 20 to 25 countries could obtain atomic weapons, describing such a world as unpredictable and dangerous.
  • He notes that several leaders have signaled intentions to pursue nuclear capabilities, without naming countries but pointing to Asia, Anatolia and the Persian Gulf.
  • The IAEA director delivered the warning in a Sunday interview with Italy's La Repubblica.