IAEA Chief Warns Nuclear Conflict Now “Real Possibility”

Kokcha News Agency – In a stark radio interview, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi declared that rising geopolitical tensions have pushed the world to a point where nuclear conflict is a tangible threat. He specifically cited Donald Trump’s openness to resume U.S. nuclear testing and Russia’s recent announcement of renewed atomic weapons tests as major escalations.

Grossi emphasized that the nuclear dimension of international relations has intensified dramatically, worsened by the ongoing war in Ukraine and what he termed a “verbal arms race” among major powers. He noted that while the number of nuclear warheads had declined for decades, that trend has not only halted but reversed, marking a dangerous new phase of strategic military competition.

Although only five countries—the U.S., Russia, China, the U.K., and France—are recognized as nuclear powers under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, Grossi expressed concern that nations like India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel (which possess nuclear weapons outside the treaty) could incentivize further proliferation. Despite the alarming outlook, he urged global diplomacy, strengthened non-proliferation mechanisms, and UN engagement to prevent worst-case scenarios.