Washington: In a dramatic move that has reignited global nuclear tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the resumption of nuclear weapons testing—marking a potential end to a 33-year moratorium.
Trump announced the directive just minutes before his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, during his ongoing visit to Asia. Posting on his platform Truth Social, Trump declared that the U.S. must “test and verify” its nuclear stockpile to remain on par with other world powers.
The United States has not conducted a live nuclear test since 1992, though it regularly tests missile systems capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Trump argued that with Russia and China expanding their nuclear capabilities, it is time for the U.S. to act decisively.
Trump comments have triggered widespread international concern, with many viewing the move as a potential escalation in a renewed global arms race. Both the White House and the Pentagon have declined to issue clarifications on the matter.
Trump’s remarks came shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced successful tests of underwater drones and nuclear-capable cruise missiles, although Russia has not conducted a nuclear explosion since 1990.
Highlighting the rapid growth of nuclear programs worldwide, Trump warned that global nuclear capacity could rise sharply within five years, placing renewed pressure on international security frameworks.
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)—signed by President Bill Clinton in 1996 but never ratified by the U.S. Senate—aims to ban all nuclear explosions globally. Russia’s withdrawal from the treaty in 2023 citing “strategic balance with the U.S.” has already weakened the pact, and Trump’s latest move could further test the future of global nuclear restraint.
