IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi confirmed he will be a candidate for the post of U.N. secretary-general and said the information is public. "Yes, I will be a candidate for the position of secretary general. It's not secret," Grossi said. He added that the selection process had not formally started and that the process involves the General Assembly and Security Council.

Grossi said his record at the IAEA demonstrates his approach and competence: "Just look at what I'm doing. This is what I do at the head of the IAEA." He rejected suggestions his candidacy would affect his decisions at the agency, saying the two roles are separate and that he remains focused on IAEA responsibilities.