The UN Has Warned of an Increasing Threat of Nuclear Terrorism Amid Technological Advances

May 23, 2026 World and Security

Although there is no strict definition of nuclear terrorism, examples of such attacks may include the use of “dirty bombs,” strikes on nuclear power plants, the use of stolen nuclear weapons, and the detonation of improvised nuclear devices.

Low probability – catastrophic consequences

Although for almost 80 years since the existence of this technology, a nuclear terrorist attack has not occurred and such a threat remains unlikely, it still exists. And if such an attack occurs, it will lead to very serious consequences.

It is not excluded that terrorist groups may attempt to carry out similar attacks. For example, the terrorist organization “Al-Qaeda,” responsible for the September 11 attacks in New York, as a result of which the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center were destroyed, has repeatedly declared its intention to commit acts of nuclear terrorism. Moreover, numerous cases of smuggling or theft of radioactive materials have been recorded. In particular, in 2021, the authorities of Tajikistan reported the search for 133 tablets containing uranium dioxide.It was assumed that they could be used for illegal transportation within the country or shipped to Afghanistan, where the presence of “Al-Qaeda” is known.

“I think the threat today is higher than ever,” said Mauro Medico, director of the UN Counter-Terrorism Center (UN CT Center).

“Terrorist groups and individuals are increasingly using new technologies. They attract specialists, including experts in artificial intelligence, and we have already observed the use of drones in a terrorist act. This trend likely increases the probability of using drones to deliver a ‘dirty bomb,'” he noted.

Strengthening the global nuclear security system

According to the UN Counter-Terrorism Office, strengthening the international legal framework for preventing terrorism involving the use of nuclear and other radioactive materials is one of the key priorities both for individual member states and for the international community as a whole.

In May, at a meeting held within the framework of the 2026 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons conference, speakers, including Mauro Medico, called on all UN member states to join the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism as soon as possible.

The convention, being one of the key elements of the global architecture of nuclear security, establishes a legal basis for the criminalization of acts of nuclear terrorism and the expansion of international cooperation in countering such threats.

Not the absence of political will, but the lack of opportunities

However, despite the fact that over 21 years since the adoption of the Convention a large number of states have joined it, about 66 countries still have not done so. As Mauro Medico explained, the reason lies not in the absence of political will, but rather in the lack of technical potential. “First and foremost, it is necessary to create a reliable legal framework that includes effective mechanisms for cooperation with other states, opportunities for conducting investigations and exchanging judicial information, as well as tools for implementing preventive measures,” he noted.

The UN Counter-Terrorism Office, in partnership with the European Union, provides support to national governments, helping them join the Convention and ensure its full implementation. “So far, there have been no cases of nuclear terrorism,” said Mauro Medici. “This is partly due to existing mechanisms. However, it is necessary to continue supporting the efforts of member states to ensure that such an event never occurs.”

International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism

The convention eliminates key gaps in the international legal framework by criminalizing acts involving the use of nuclear and other radioactive materials committed for terrorist purposes. It also strengthens international cooperation in this area.

Despite the active accession of states to the Convention in the first years after its adoption, recently the process has slowed down. Among the reasons are insufficient awareness about the Convention, competing legislative priorities, limited internal resources, as well as the impossibility of expanding technical and legislative support.