Argentine diplomat, IAEA Director General since 2019
Lana Nusseibeh has entered the UN secretary-general race as the UAE’s nominee, drawing praise for her experience but facing backlash over allegations of UAE support to Sudan’s RSF. The contest remains gridlocked as Security Council members weigh vetoes and concerns over regional influence.
Syria has agreed to surrender its remaining nuclear material to the IAEA under a US-brokered deal. The move is unlikely to resolve core disputes with Israel or advance a broader security agreement, as negotiations remain stalled over territory, withdrawal lines, and other contentious issues.
The UN Security Council has conducted a straw poll for the next secretary-general, with Rodrigues-Birkett leading the field, followed by Grynspan and Grossi. Several other contenders remain, and a formal vote in the General Assembly will determine the outcome. The process involves nine votes in the Council and potential vetoes by the five permanent members.
Brent crude has climbed toward $97 a barrel after renewed exchanges of strikes between the United States and Iran over the past week. US strikes have hit sites along Iran's southern coast while Iran has attacked US-linked vessels and bases in the region; shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains constrained and US pump and diesel prices have risen.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has said it has clarified key elements of its probe into a 2007 Israeli strike on a Syrian facility in Deir ez-Zour, calling the development a rare nuclear-diplomacy success. Separately, IAEA monitors have reported they still cannot verify the location or status of Iran’s near-bomb‑grade uranium stockpile, according to a restricted agency document seen by Bloomberg.
The IAEA board has moved to refer Iran to the UN Security Council over non-compliance with nonproliferation obligations, with a vote showing broad support but stalemate due to Russia and China’s opposition. The resolution urges further cooperation and updates on nuclear material and inspections.
The IAEA has terminated its nearly two‑decade investigation into Syria's undeclared nuclear activities after inspectors visited sites in Deir ez‑Zor and a previously undisclosed location. Inspectors have uncovered a near‑complete reactor, a fuel‑fabrication plant and about 73 tonnes of natural uranium metal; the material is now under IAEA containment and surveillance measures.
Iran's state media has touted a new missile test against a US warship, with Tehran claiming a turning point in its defense. The US has hit Iranian oil tankers in response, and both sides warn of further escalation as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains contested.
The IAEA reports that North Korea has expanded its Yongbyon uranium enrichment facility and operates an annex at Kangson. The new Yongbyon building can house up to 28 centrifuge cascades, potentially increasing weapons-grade uranium production. Seoul and Western assessments echo concern about ongoing violations of UN resolutions.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has reported new movement at Pickaxe Mountain, a fortified complex near Iran’s Natanz enrichment plant, while satellite analyses have shown a surge in 2026 construction and road activity; the IAEA has not inspected the tunnels and President Donald Trump has publicly warned the United States could strike the site.
Former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet has withdrawn from the UN secretary-general contest after weak support in Security Council straw polls. The withdrawal leaves four candidates and intensifies focus on Latin American leadership in the rotating process ahead of the General Assembly vote.
The IAEA has urged Iran to grant inspectors access to all nuclear sites, including those damaged in recent attacks. Iran asserts its program is peaceful, while the IAEA reports no verified repair of facilities since mid-2025. A UN Security Council meeting convenes as tensions over nonproliferation obligations intensify.
The United States and Israel have prepared for renewed strikes against Iran after the US midterm elections, while mediators pursue direct diplomacy. Netanyahu is pressing for action; Trump remains cautious. Qatar mediators are in Tehran pursuing a deal as regional tensions rise.
Israel’s energy ministry has drawn up a national framework to position the country in the growing fusion sector, citing partnerships, funding tracks, and regulatory gaps as it seeks to compete in a multibillion-dollar race for future power sources. The Times of Israel reports a plan to fund research centers, national facilities, and an experimental reactor with international partners, while warning that inaction could leave Israeli firms out of global supply chains.
Ukraine's Air Alarm app has been hacked, sending false warnings of nuclear, chemical and street-fighting threats late on Sunday; officials have said there is no radiation danger and suspended the service while they investigate. Russia's emergency app has reported a separate cyberattack that briefly pushed false alerts to Russian users, and both countries are disputing responsibility.