“When it comes to working on behalf of peace and security, playing it safe is dangerous,” Mr Grossi said, calling for an urgent return to diplomacy and dialogue and on the leaders of international organizations to step up as effective brokers of peace.
“We must be proactive in building the trust and protections that lower the risk of close calls and of brinksmanship, especially during today’s tensions,” he said. “Not taking active steps means we rely on luck – or the assumption that the other side will show restraint – to save us from nuclear war. The longer you rely on luck, the more likely it is to run out.”
He urged leaders to act, reminding them of key moments during the Cold War when bold leadership led to dialogue, a reduction of tensions and important norms and arms reduction treaties. “Difficult times call for enlightened leadership, at the national level, and the international level as well,” Mr Grossi said, stressing that engagement among the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council was critically important to deescalating tensions and to reducing “nuclear sabre rattling.”
“Conflict and tensions compel nations to arm themselves. Diplomacy and compromise create conditions in which they can disarm,” he said.
Mr Grossi also called on leaders of multilateral organizations to use their mandates, tools and good offices to help guide the world through today’s challenges to peace and security.
He said that the IAEA was doing its part, mentioning the Agency’s continuous presence at nuclear power facilities in Ukraine. “We are informing the world of what’s going on and reducing the chance that a radiological incident enflames the conflict and causes even more devastation.”
In addition, Mr Grossi has been continuously engaging with Iran in an effort to reduce tensions and to keep the country within the Non-Proliferation Treaty and international non-proliferation norms.