Nuclear terror threat ‘has never been so high’

This article is published in association with United Nations.

The widespread availability of new technology, such as militarised drones and artificial intelligence, means that the current threat of nuclear terrorism is higher than it has ever been.

The humanitarian, environmental, and economic consequences of a radiological or nuclear terrorist attack would be global, undermining international peace and security and eroding confidence in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology.

Although there is no strict definition of nuclear terrorism, examples of what could constitute an attack range from the use of ‘dirty bombs’ to strikes on nuclear power plants, the use of stolen nuclear weapons and the detonation of improvised nuclear devices.

Low probability, high impact 

Thankfully, there has never been a nuclear terrorist attack since the advent of the technology some 80 years ago, which puts the threat in the category of “low in terms of probability, high in terms of impact,” but that doesn’t mean that terrorist groups aren’t attempting a strike of some sort.

Al-Qaeda, the terrorist organisation behind the September 11 attack on New York that brought down the Twin Towers, has repeatedly stated its intention to commit acts of nuclear terror and there have been numerous recorded incidents in which radiological material has been either smuggled or stolen.

In 2021, for example, Tajikistan reported that 133 tablets containing uranium dioxide were stolen, potentially for trafficking either within the country or in Afghanistan, where Al-Qaeda has a strong presence.

“I think the threat has never been so high as it is today,” says Mauro Miedico, Director of the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT).

“Terrorist groups and individuals engage much more strongly with new technologies. Terrorist groups have recruited experts, including AI specialists, and we have seen the use of drones in terrorist acts. This potentially makes it more possible that they will launch a dirty bomb via drone.”

Strengthening global nuclear security

According to the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism. strengthening the international legal framework to prevent terrorism involving nuclear and other radioactive material is a critical priority for Member States individually and for the international community as a whole.

In May, at a meeting on the sidelines of the 2026 Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, speakers including Mr. Miedico encouraged all UN Member States to become parties to the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT) as soon as possible.

The Convention, a cornerstone of the global nuclear security architecture, provides a legal basis to criminalise acts of nuclear terrorism and enhance international cooperation against such threats.

Strong will, weak capacity

However, although it has reached quite a broad level of support since it was adopted 21 years ago, it has still not been joined by some 66 countries. Not, as Mr. Miedico explains, due to a lack of political will, but rather a lack of technical capacity. 

“The first thing is to have robust legal frameworks in place, with strong elements related to cooperation with other countries, the ability to investigate and share judicial information, and the ability to put preventative measures in place.”

The UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), in partnership with the European Union (EU), is providing support for national governments, helping them to adhere to and fully implement the Convention.

“We haven’t had any examples of nuclear terrorism so far,” says Mr. Miedico, “and that’s partly due to the mechanisms that are currently in place, but we need to continue supporting Member States’ efforts, to make sure that it never happens.”

International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT)

• The Convention addresses key gaps in the international legal framework by criminalising acts involving nuclear or other radioactive material committed with terrorist intent. It also strengthens cooperation in investigation, prosecution, extradition, and mutual legal assistance.
• While early adherence to ICSANT was strong, progress toward universalisation has slowed in recent years, leaving persistent gaps in the global legal architecture.
• Reasons for this gap include limited awareness of the Convention, competing legislative priorities, internal capacity constraints, and the need for greater technical and legislative assistance.