IAEA chief warns against undermining global nuclear non-proliferation framework

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IAEA chief warns against undermining global nuclear non-proliferation framework

2025-03-04 13:21 Last Updated At：15:57

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi on Monday said that the global nuclear non-proliferation mechanism must not be undermined, as it serves as a pillar of global stability.

Speaking at a press conference after the opening of the IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, Grossi addressed concerns over recent calls for "European nuclear autonomy" following shifts in U.S. policy.

Asked to comment on social media discussions advocating for European countries like Germany, Poland, and Ukraine to acquire military nuclear capabilities through cooperation, Grossi stressed the critical role of the non-proliferation framework in maintaining global stability.

For more than half a century, the nuclear non-proliferation mechanism has served as a pillar of global stability and should not be broken, Grossi noted.

"To put it very clearly, more countries with nuclear weapons, I don't personally believe is the path to go. But rather the opposite, and keep our cool, work on the political problem," he said.

He also highlighted the need to protect and strengthen the non-proliferation regime amid the current geopolitical turbulence and instability.

OPEC+ to ramp up oil output in May amid global energy crisis

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, known as OPEC+, on Sunday decided to increase oil output by 206,000 barrels per day in May, according to an OPEC statement.

The decision was announced following a virtual meeting attended by Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman, which reviewed global market conditions and outlook.

Amid the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East, the eight OPEC+ countries underscored the critical importance of safeguarding international maritime routes to ensure the free flow of energy supplies.

The eight countries also expressed concern over attacks on energy infrastructure, which harmed the overall supply availability. They stressed that it is both costly and takes a long time to restore damaged energy assets to full capacity.

They are scheduled to meet again on May 3 to make further decisions.

Since the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran beginning Feb 28, the conflict in the Middle East has severely disrupted regional energy flows, with crude oil and refined product shipments declining significantly.