“Trump Sparks Concerns Over Potential Resumption of Nuclear Testing”

President Trump declined to clarify whether the US administration plans to resume underground nuclear detonation tests, sparking concerns about a potential nuclear explosion after more than three decades. When asked about restarting underground nuclear testing, Trump responded that the information would be revealed soon, emphasizing that testing is necessary as other countries engage in similar activities. This statement followed Trump’s order for the US military to initiate the process for testing nuclear weapons, announced on Truth Social while en route to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping for trade discussions in Busan, South Korea. The speculation arose that the US might end its 33-year moratorium on explosive nuclear tests, last conducted in 1992, based on Trump’s reference to testing on par with Russia and China. Trump stressed the need for the US to adapt to the evolving global landscape where other nations are expanding their capabilities. The specifics of the testing, whether full-scale explosive tests overseen by the National Nuclear Security Administration or missile flight testing by the Pentagon, remain unclear. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking at a meeting of Asean defense ministers in Malaysia, supported the decision as a responsible way to maintain deterrence and reduce the likelihood of nuclear conflict. While the US has adhered to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty since 1996, it has not ratified the agreement, which prohibits explosive nuclear testing and is honored by major powers except North Korea, the only country to conduct a nuclear test in 2017.