Why it matters:
The resumption of nuclear testing by either country could escalate global tensions, disrupt years of arms control efforts, and reignite fears of a new arms race amid already strained U.S.-Russia relations.
The big picture:
The U.S. and Russia have maintained a decades-long nuclear testing moratorium, with global leaders urging both countries to uphold the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). However, recent remarks by U.S. officials suggest a potential shift that could undermine decades of non-proliferation efforts.
What they’re saying:
Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin Spokesman:
"If we consider this Rubio’s words to be confirmation that the U.S. is lifting the ban on testing, then this indeed signifies Washington’s intention to conduct such tests. As our president has said, in that case, Russia will respond in kind."
Rubio did not confirm outright whether the U.S. plans to resume full-scale nuclear tests, but he indicated that the move could include the resumption of tests on delivery systems as well.
Key points:
October 29: U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing, signaling a potential shift in U.S. policy.
November 5: Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed key ministries to assess the possibility of resuming nuclear weapons testing in response to U.S. actions.
November 13: Rubio clarified that any resumption would also extend to delivery systems but did not confirm a full-scale nuclear testing restart.
State of play:
The U.S. has long been a signatory to the CTBT, though it has not ratified the treaty. Russia, also a non-signatory of the treaty, has similarly refrained from nuclear tests for decades. The shift in U.S. policy underlines the potential collapse of arms control frameworks if testing resumes.
Go deeper:
While Trump’s administration made headlines for its nuclear stance, the underlying message from both countries indicates an accelerating arms race. If nuclear tests resume, the long-standing global effort toward non-proliferation could face significant setbacks.
Hossein Vaez - ahmad shirzadian
