Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi emphasized the agency's commitment to nuclear safety and verification worldwide, highlighting the work of cancer experts assisting African oncologists and nuclear safety experts working to prevent nuclear disasters in Ukraine.
He praised the 'silent work' of IAEA nuclear inspectors and cited progress in verifying Syria's compliance with nuclear safeguards as an example of effective multilateral cooperation.
Grossi noted the successful arrangement of a seventh local truce around Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, enabling crucial repairs after repeated power supply disruptions—essential to avoiding a nuclear accident.
On Iran, Grossi acknowledged ongoing challenges regarding the country's nuclear program but expressed cautious optimism about achieving safeguards to ensure its peaceful purpose, stressing the need for continued cooperation.
He stated that global optimism is growing for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, especially as many developing countries view it as key to economic development. The IAEA supports these efforts through training, capacity building, and technology transfer to ensure equitable access.
Grossi highlighted updated estimates suggesting global nuclear power capacity could more than triple by 2060, as countries seek to address rising electricity demand and strengthen energy security. He also noted that nuclear power is being considered for data centers supporting artificial intelligence as their prevalence increases.