Rafael Grossi

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has issued a dire warning, stating that the world is teetering on the brink of a "nuclear catastrophe." His remarks come amid escalating tensions surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which has been under Russian occupation for two years.

Iran temporarily closed its nuclear facilities over "security considerations" in the wake of its massive missile and drone attack on Israel over the weekend, the head of the U.N.'s atomic watchdog said Monday.

The U.N. nuclear watchdog has voiced growing concern over Iran's ability to build nuclear weapons, fuelled by recent public statements in the country, according to a confidential report seen by AFP on Monday.

Day 696 of the invasion of Ukraine. Summary of key events in the last 24 hours:

DAVOS - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with Hungarian President Katalin Novak in Davos on Wednesday to discuss the current geopolitical situation, regional developments and further strengthening of the friendly relations between the two countries.

Recent reports from the UN nuclear watchdog and independent experts suggest that North Korea has initiated operations at a new reactor within the Yongbyon nuclear complex. This reactor could potentially produce plutonium, fueling concerns about the nation's nuclear weapons program, according to Reuters.

Russian forces were ramping up attacks in eastern Ukraine on Wednesday, Moscow and Kiev said, as they vie to secure elusive territorial gains before the end of the year.

Despite the frontlines having barely shifted in 2023, fighting has remained intense, with the nearly encircled industrial town of Avdiivka the latest major flashpoint.

UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi on Thursday said the situation at the Moscow-occupied Zaporizhzhia atomic power plant in Ukraine was "serious" but being stabilised as Kiev reported progress in its counteroffensive.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of destroying the Nova Kakhovka dam, which had disastrous consequences in the Kherson region.
"The destruction of one of the largest water reservoirs in Ukraine was certainly intentional. Hundreds of thousands of people were left without access to drinking water," he said.

The evacuations were said to affect Energodar, a town near Ukraine's largest power plant, and the UN nuclear watchdog warned of a possible "severe nuclear accident".
Ivan Fedorov, the Ukrainian mayor of Melitopol, a city located in the Zaporizhzhia region, said the order had caused chaos and five-hour lines of cars at the Crimean checkpoint.