IAEA chief warns nuclear accident risk in Ukraine exceeds weapon fear
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi says the risk of a nuclear accident at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia plant is a more immediate concern than the use of atomic weapons. He also warned Iran holds significant uranium enriched near weapons-grade levels.
IAEA chief warns nuclear accident risk in Ukraine exceeds weapon fear
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed greater concern over the potential for a catastrophic nuclear accident in Ukraine than the use of atomic weapons in the conflict. In an interview, Director General Rafael Grossi described the situation at Europe's largest nuclear power plant as "extremely fragile and volatile."
Immediate danger at Zaporizhzhia
Grossi stated that while the use of nuclear weapons in the war "cannot be fully ruled out," he believes it is "not very high." His primary focus is the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is located in an active combat zone and occupied by Russian forces. He emphasized the facility's vulnerability to military activity and power outages that could disable critical cooling systems, noting it once supplied 20% of Ukraine's electricity. The IAEA has mediated four specific ceasefires to allow essential repairs to surrounding power lines.
Iran's advanced uranium stockpile and treaty warning
Shifting to Iran, Grossi revealed the country continues to hold a "significant amount" of uranium enriched to 60% purity, a level he noted is "practically the level required for the manufacture of nuclear weapons." He cautioned Tehran against any move to withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), warning it would "only aggravate the situation of tension." The IAEA remains in dialogue with Iran and other key nations to restore full monitoring and prevent escalation.
Ongoing diplomatic efforts and regional stakes
Grossi highlighted the IAEA's role as a permanent observer and mediator at Zaporizhzhia, working "day by day" to prevent radiological emergencies. For neighboring nations like Türkiye, which could be directly affected by a nuclear disaster in Ukraine or a proliferated Iran, Grossi's stark warnings underscore the critical importance of robust international oversight and diplomacy to mitigate these existential regional security threats.
Comments you share on our site are a valuable resource for other users. Please be respectful of different opinions and other users. Avoid using rude, aggressive, derogatory, or discriminatory language.