Nuclear agency head Grossi issues warning: Global scenario could see 25 nations possessing nuclear weapons.

In a sobering statement, Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has expressed concerns about the rising risk of a nuclear conflict today, highlighting a potential increase in nuclear weapon states from the current nine to 20 to 25.

According to a recent report by the peace research institute SIPRI, the nine nuclear states currently in possession of an estimated 12,000 nuclear weapons include the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council – the United States, Russia, Britain, France, and China – as well as India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel.

Grossi has voiced his concerns about leaders of several countries announcing their intention to acquire nuclear weapons, although he remains tight-lipped about the specific countries he is referring to. He mentions that these important nations are located in Asia, the Middle East, and the Persian Gulf.

The report by SIPRI does not provide a detailed breakdown of the number of nuclear weapons held by each state, nor does it discuss the risk of a nuclear conflict or the discussion of tactical nuclear strikes. However, Grossi has expressed his concern about the increasing production of nuclear weapons, with China being among those producing more.

The IAEA chief notes that the process of disarmament or controlled reduction of nuclear weapon arsenals has stalled, and a world with 20 to 25 states possessing nuclear weapons would be unpredictable and dangerous.

In addition to the five permanent members, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel are also nuclear states. Iran has been suspected of pursuing nuclear weapons capabilities besides its civilian nuclear program, but no other specific countries have openly declared such ambitions in the immediate timeframe according to the available information. The five permanent UN Security Council members remain nuclear powers but advocate for arms control and reduction.

The report by SIPRI on nuclear states and their weapons is the most recent as of the publication date of this news article, and it does not include any information about any potential increase in nuclear weapon states beyond the current nine. Grossi also notes the discussion of tactical nuclear strikes as a cause for concern.

As the world grapples with these concerns, the IAEA continues to work towards promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy and addressing the challenges posed by the proliferation of nuclear weapons.