Nuclear treaty still a ‘beacon of certainty,’ says IAEA chief

The head of the UN nuclear watchdog called on world leaders Monday to uphold the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT), describing the landmark accord as a rare pillar of stability amid escalating international conflicts and eroding global norms. His remarks came as a major review conference opened at the UN General Assembly.

Treaty remains a rare anchor

“We are here to review one of the most important instruments in international law and in international politics as a whole,” said Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He noted that 191 states have relied on the agreement since it took effect in 1970. Grossi described the NPT as “a beacon of certainty in a world of thinning international norms” and urged delegates to “rally around the NPT” in the weeks ahead.

Near-universal monitoring and rising nuclear energy demand

Grossi offered encouraging news on non-proliferation efforts, saying the world is “tantalizingly close” to achieving universality, with every member country now part of international nuclear monitoring pacts. He also highlighted a sharp rise in nations turning to civilian nuclear power, noting that demand is growing on every continent and is no longer limited to traditional nuclear states. “We see it almost every day, from Bangladesh to Türkiye to Egypt; many countries are moving into nuclear exploitation,” he said.

Core principles reaffirmed

The IAEA chief closed by restating the treaty’s founding logic: “few countries with nuclear weapons is better than more countries with nuclear weapons.” He added that nuclear disarmament remains a binding obligation and that peaceful nuclear technology “must be for all” — principles he said are as valid today as when first drafted.