The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is continuing its efforts to strengthen nuclear security worldwide, helping countries protect nuclear and radioactive materials, facilities and related activities against theft, sabotage and other evolving threats.

The IAEA’s Nuclear Security Review 2026 highlights activities carried out during 2025, outlines key priorities for strengthening national security arrangements and reflects continued international cooperation to reduce nuclear security risks.

As nuclear technologies are used more widely in energy, medicine, industry and scientific research, maintaining effective security systems remains an important responsibility for governments and international institutions.

Strengthening National Nuclear Security Systems

One of the IAEA’s central priorities is helping countries establish and maintain effective national nuclear security regimes. These systems include legal frameworks, regulatory oversight, physical protection measures and arrangements for preventing, detecting and responding to security incidents.

The agency provides assistance to countries upon request, recognising that each state retains responsibility for nuclear security within its territory.

Through advisory services, technical guidance and international cooperation, the IAEA helps participating countries identify gaps in their existing arrangements and improve their ability to protect nuclear and other radioactive materials.

Protecting Nuclear Materials and Facilities

Preventing unauthorised access to nuclear materials and facilities remains a major area of international concern. Security measures are designed to reduce the risk of theft, sabotage and other malicious activities involving nuclear or radioactive substances.

The IAEA supports countries through services such as the International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS), which reviews national nuclear security arrangements and provides recommendations for improvement. Its International Nuclear Security Advisory Service also assists states in strengthening measures addressing nuclear and other radioactive material outside regulatory control.

Such cooperation can help countries improve their security frameworks while promoting the consistent application of international guidance.

Responding to Emerging and Evolving Threats

Nuclear security arrangements must adapt as technology and potential threats change. Digital systems, increasingly interconnected infrastructure and developments in advanced nuclear technologies create new considerations for governments and facility operators.

Countries need to maintain effective procedures for identifying threats, protecting sensitive systems and coordinating responses to security incidents. Staff training, technical expertise and regular assessments are important components of these efforts.

International collaboration can also help countries exchange experience, improve preparedness and respond to shared challenges without duplicating existing initiatives.

International Cooperation Remains Essential

Nuclear security is a national responsibility, but its implications extend across borders. An incident involving nuclear or radioactive materials could have consequences for public safety, the environment and international confidence in nuclear technologies.

The IAEA therefore works with its member states to strengthen cooperation, share technical knowledge and support the development of sustainable security arrangements.

Its Nuclear Security Series provides internationally recognised guidance covering fundamental principles, recommendations, implementation approaches and technical topics.

Looking Ahead: Priorities for 2026 and Beyond

The agency’s wider programme focuses on helping countries maintain effective security systems, strengthen institutional capacity and respond to changing risks. The Nuclear Security Plan for 2026–2029 provides a framework for the next phase of this work, following the 2022–2025 plan.

Continued progress will depend on national commitment, adequate resources, technical cooperation and regular evaluation of security measures.

The IAEA’s nuclear security programme highlights a central objective: ensuring that nuclear and radioactive materials are used securely for peaceful purposes while reducing the risks posed by unauthorised or malicious activities.