In a controversial statement, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Pakistan, China, and Russia are secretly conducting underground nuclear weapons tests, while the United States remains the only major power refraining from such activities. His comments came during a televised interview with CBS’s “60 Minutes”, reigniting global debate over nuclear restraint and transparency.
Trump said that countries like Russia, China, North Korea, and Pakistan are allegedly testing nuclear weapons, but “don’t go and tell you about it.” He argued that the U.S. should not be left behind, revealing that he had ordered the Pentagon to resume nuclear testing “immediately.”
U.S. Testing Plans and Global Repercussions
Trump’s remarks follow reports of Russia testing new nuclear-powered missiles and drones, and come as the U.S. remains a signatory of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which bans all nuclear explosions for any purpose. No country other than North Korea is publicly known to have carried out nuclear detonations since the 1990s.
Pressed by interviewers, Trump said:
“We are the only country that doesn’t test. I don’t want to be the only country that doesn’t test.”
He emphasised that while the U.S. holds a massive nuclear arsenal “enough to blow up the world 150 times,” actual tests are essential to ensure functionality. “You have to see how they work,” he added.
However, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright later clarified that Washington is not planning to conduct full nuclear explosions. He described current tests as “non-critical system tests,” which check the performance of weapon components without triggering a nuclear chain reaction.
Pakistan Yet to Respond
Following Trump’s remarks, Pakistan’s Foreign Office did not issue an immediate statement. Earlier, when asked about similar claims, DG ISPR neither confirmed nor denied reports of nuclear or hypersonic weapon tests, stating that Pakistan conducts such trials for defence and security purposes, which remain classified.
Global Concern Over Testing Revival
Trump’s assertions have raised concerns among nuclear experts and diplomats, who warn that resuming U.S. nuclear testing could undermine decades of global non-proliferation efforts and set off a dangerous arms race. Observers say the comments may also strain Washington’s relations with countries accused of covert testing.
As the world continues to grapple with geopolitical tensions, Trump’s statement has reignited a debate last settled more than three decades ago, whether nuclear deterrence requires new tests or renewed restraint.
Related stories:
China Reaffirms Nuclear Policy, Denies Nuclear Carrier Reports
