International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director general, Rafael Grossi, has strongly criticized US President Donald Trump’s plan to restart nuclear weapon testing, calling it a threat to global stability and the non-proliferation regime. The IAEA chief highlighted that the decision undermines international security and the existing nuclear monitoring systems. Speaking to France’s LCI TV channel on Tuesday, Grossi described Trump’s announcement as a ‘manifestation of profound unease, tension, and increasing fragmentation,’ adding that it weakens the global system of peace and security.
Trump’s decision to resume nuclear tests has sparked concerns about the stability of the international non-proliferation regime. The US president’s claims that the US is the only country without a nuclear testing program have been met with skepticism. Both Russia and China have denied conducting secret nuclear explosions, as Trump alleged. Grossi questioned the validity of these claims, emphasizing that the International Monitoring System under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty can detect any nuclear detonations immediately. The IAEA director called for the restoration of the United Nations’ role in maintaining global security and protecting the nuclear non-proliferation system amid rising tensions.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has yet to comment on Trump’s statements, stating that Moscow is awaiting clarification from the US side. He stressed that neither Russia nor China have resumed nuclear testing and that both nations remain committed to their obligations under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Trump’s announcement followed Russia’s series of tests, including the launch of its new Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile and the Poseidon underwater drone. However, these tests did not involve actual nuclear detonations. Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that Moscow would consider resuming nuclear testing only if other nuclear powers officially abandon the moratorium.