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Nuclear testing

UN Rejects US Plan to Resume Nuclear Testing, Cites Devastating Consequences

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

United Nations officials have reacted strongly to US President Donald Trump's announcement of his intention to resume nuclear testing, citing the devastating consequences of more than 2,000 nuclear tests conducted over the past 80 years. UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq emphasized that nuclear risks are already extremely high, and any actions that could lead to miscalculation or escalation with catastrophic consequences must be ruled out. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, adopted by the General Assembly in 1996, has not yet entered into force, as it has not been ratified by all states listed in Annex 2 of the treaty, including Russia and the United States.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN position emphasizes that nuclear testing must not be allowed under any circumstances, citing the devastating consequences of over 2,000 nuclear tests conducted over the past 80 years.
  • UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq stated that the Secretary-General has repeatedly expressed concerns about current nuclear risks and the need to rule out any actions that could lead to miscalculation or escalation with catastrophic consequences.
  • The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, adopted by the General Assembly in 1996, is not yet in force, as it has not been ratified by all states listed in Annex 2, including Russia and the United States.
  • Russia and the United States are among the states that have not ratified the treaty, leaving it unsigned and unimplemented.
  • The UN position reflects the organization's commitment to preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and promoting nuclear disarmament.

Statistics:

  • Over 2,000 nuclear tests have been conducted over the past 80 years, with devastating consequences for the environment and human health.
  • The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty was adopted by the General Assembly on September 10, 1996, and opened for signature by all states on September 24, 1996.
  • The treaty has not yet entered into force, as it has not been ratified by all states listed in Annex 2, including Russia and the United States.
  • Russia and the United States are among the 13 countries that have not ratified the treaty.
  • The treaty aims to prevent nuclear testing and promote nuclear disarmament, in line with the UN's commitment to preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Sources:

  • United Nations Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, October 2025
  • United Nations General Assembly Resolution 50/245, September 10, 1996
  • Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, Annex 2 (https://treaties.un.org/doc/Publication/CTC/T/1996/10)
  • United Nations website, "Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty" (https://www.un.org/disarmament/wmd/nuclear-comprehensive-test-ban-treaty)

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