Trump's announcement of US nuclear tests comes as other major powers expand their arsenals and test weapons. But test explosions could trigger an uncontrolled chain of events, experts warn.
"Due to other countries' testing programs, I have ordered the Department of War to begin testing our nuclear weapons on equal terms," Trump writes on Truth Social.
However, the US nuclear arsenal is managed by the Department of Energy and a nuclear energy agency within it, not the Department of Defense.
The US military regularly tests missiles that can be armed with nuclear weapons, but has not tested nuclear weapons since 1992. Exactly what type of tests Trump is referring to is unclear, but the statement suggests that some type of change is necessary.
Development projects
Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the country had successfully tested a nuclear-capable missile designed to reach targets around the globe. A few days later, claims emerged that the country had successfully tested an underwater drone that could also be armed with nuclear weapons.
But it was not about nuclear weapons tests, Russia points out.
"Regarding the tests of Poseidon and Burevestnik, we hope that the information has been correctly conveyed to President Trump," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
This can in no way be interpreted as a nuclear weapons test.
He warns that Russia may have to act if the United States were to test nuclear warheads.
Russia's tests have been criticized by the US government, with President Donald Trump calling them "inappropriate." Russia is currently believed to have six nuclear weapons development projects underway, The New York Times reports.
Warning of destabilization
In February this year, experts warned in an article in the journal Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS) that a resumption of the US nuclear weapons testing program could trigger an uncontrolled chain of events that could destabilize global security and accelerate a new arms race.
China and North Korea have also announced efforts in the nuclear segment. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that China hopes the United States will continue to abide by the global ban on nuclear weapons testing.
