In an interview with Italian daily La Repubblica, he expressed concern that the disarmament process had stalled and that several countries, including China, were instead increasing their arsenals, according to DPA.
At the same time, he pointed out that the use of tactical nuclear weapons was increasingly being discussed publicly, which he found extremely disturbing.
Although Grossi refused to name specific countries that he believes are attempting to acquire nuclear capabilities, he said that they were “important states” in Asia, Asia Minor, and the Persian Gulf region.
There are currently nine nuclear powers – the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (US, Russia, China, France, United Kingdom) as well as India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel. Together, they have around 12,000 warheads, 10,700 of which are owned by the US and Russia.
