Nuclear proliferation could potentially escalate, resulting in up to 25 nations acquiring nuclear capabilities, as per Grossi's warnings.

In a concerning development, Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has warned about the potential increase in nuclear-armed states. According to Grossi, a world with 20 to 25 nuclear-armed states is unpredictable and dangerous.

Grossi's comments were made to the Italian daily "La Repubblica" on Sunday. He cited concerns about leaders in important countries in Asia, the Middle East, and the Persian Gulf announcing their intention to acquire nuclear weapons. However, the IAEA chief did not name these countries specifically.

The current nine nuclear states, as reported by the peace research institute Sipri, are the United States, Russia, Britain, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel. It's worth noting that while Sipri does not list Israel as a nuclear power in its official documentation, it is widely believed to have nuclear weapons.

India and Pakistan are also included in the list of nine nuclear powers. China, according to Grossi, is producing more nuclear weapons. The process of disarmament or controlled reduction of nuclear arsenals, as per the IAEA chief, has come to a halt.

Grossi's concerns about the potential increase in nuclear-armed states are not unfounded. The IAEA chief has previously expressed his belief that the risk of a nuclear conflict today is higher than in the past. He finds discussions about tactical nuclear strikes particularly concerning.

The five permanent members of the UN Security Council - the United States, Russia, Britain, France, and China - are included in the list of nine nuclear powers. North Korea is one of the nine countries listed as a nuclear power.

The IAEA, under Grossi's leadership, plays a crucial role in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and in preventing the spread and use of nuclear weapons. Grossi's warnings serve as a reminder of the importance of global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.

In a world where the number of nuclear-armed states is already significant, with about 12,000 nuclear weapons estimated to be in the possession of these nine states, the prospect of up to 25 countries acquiring nuclear weapons is indeed unpredictable and dangerous. It is hoped that diplomatic efforts will be intensified to prevent such a scenario.

Nuclear proliferation could potentially escalate, resulting in up to 25 nations acquiring nuclear capabilities, as per Grossi's warnings.