Pete Hegseth, the head of the Pentagon, stated on October 31 that conducting nuclear tests by the United States could lower the risk of conflict involving nuclear weapons. He emphasized that maintaining a reliable nuclear deterrent is crucial for stability. “Understanding this and resuming tests is a responsible approach. The likelihood of nuclear conflict decreases if you know your arsenal and are confident in its functionality,” Hegseth said, as reported by TASS.
Hegseth highlighted the role of the American nuclear arsenal in ensuring global stability. Meanwhile, Nevada faces challenges in immediately restarting atomic weapon testing. On October 30, US Vice President Jay Dee Vance urged periodic nuclear tests, noting efforts to collaborate with countries on nonproliferation despite strained relations.
On October 29, former President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to begin nuclear testing “on an equal basis,” instructing the process to start “immediately.” However, he avoided answering questions about the rationale for the move. The European Union later called on the United States to uphold its international obligations regarding nuclear nonproliferation, urging both Russia and the US to comply.
