Washington: President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his intention to resume nuclear weapons testing in the United States, a move that could mark the country’s first such tests in more than three decades. Speaking to reporters, Trump said the U.S. would not hesitate to conduct tests if rival nations like Russia or China continued to do so, suggesting that underground testing could soon be on the cards.

The statement has reignited global debate about nuclear deterrence and arms control. The United States last carried out an underground nuclear test in 1992, and since then has observed a moratorium under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which it has signed but not ratified.

When asked whether he had already ordered new tests, Trump avoided giving a direct answer, saying, “You’ll find out very soon.” His comments come amid rising tensions between Washington, Moscow and Beijing, and shortly before his planned diplomatic meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Reports from Reuters and Politico indicate that the Pentagon has been instructed to explore technical options for restarting the testing program, though officials have not disclosed when or where such tests might take place. The administration has not clarified whether the move involves explosive nuclear detonations or non-explosive simulations used to assess warhead performance.

The plan has drawn mixed reactions in the U.S. and abroad. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern that resuming nuclear tests could undermine decades of international arms-control progress. Analysts warn that such a decision could trigger a new wave of nuclear competition, with Russia and China potentially following suit.

Supporters of the proposal, however, argue that renewed testing would strengthen national security and ensure the reliability of America’s aging nuclear arsenal.

As the world waits for clarification, the debate over the future of nuclear weapons testing underscores the fragile state of global arms agreements and the growing uncertainty surrounding international peace and security.