The 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) opened in Vienna on Monday with calls to strengthen multilateral cooperation and safeguard the global nuclear non-proliferation regime at a time of growing geopolitical tensions and increasing security challenges.

In a message delivered by Monica Juma, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the conference was taking place during a period of profound global turmoil and uncertainty.

Guterres warns of growing nuclear risks

Guterres said attacks on nuclear facilities are increasing while the factors driving nuclear proliferation are accelerating and the measures to counter them are diminishing.

"The world stands on the brink of a revolution in nuclear power generation that requires careful management and oversight. More than ever, the world needs the IAEA's professionalism, impartiality and technical excellence," he said.

Grossi reaffirms importance of the NPT

Addressing the conference, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) remains the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.

"In this time of rising tension and mistrust, we must strengthen this legal framework by supporting the IAEA and working to achieve its objectives. A world with more nuclear weapons and more countries armed with nuclear weapons is not a safer world," Grossi said.

Agency raises concerns over Iran

Grossi said the Agency's ability to monitor Iran's nuclear programme has deteriorated during 2026.

He noted that attacks against Iran resumed at the end of February, forcing the IAEA to withdraw its inspectors. Apart from an inspection at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant in June, the Agency has not conducted any on-site verification activities in Iran for more than six months.

He added that it has now been more than a year since the Agency lost continuity of knowledge regarding previously declared stocks of low enriched uranium (LEU) and highly enriched uranium (HEU) enriched up to 60 per cent U-235 at nuclear facilities affected by the June 2025 attacks.

Grossi warned that the Agency's lack of knowledge regarding this nuclear material, combined with its inability to access the facilities needed to verify it, constitutes a serious proliferation concern that must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

He stressed that a return to diplomacy and negotiations aimed at resolving issues surrounding Iran's nuclear programme is essential and said the Agency stands ready to support such efforts.

Grossi added that developments related to Iran's nuclear programme carry significant implications for the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.

Conference brings together thousands of delegates

The 70th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference, which runs until 18 September, has brought together around 4,000 senior officials and representatives from IAEA member states, as well as delegations from international organizations and civil society groups.

Held annually since the Agency's establishment in 1957, the General Conference addresses a broad range of issues related to the peaceful uses of nuclear technology, including energy production, cancer treatment, food security, water management, nuclear safety, nuclear security and safeguards.(ILKHA)