World Marks Longest Period Without Nuclear Tests Amid Renewed Tensions

As of January 14, 2026, the world has experienced over eight years without a nuclear test, marking the longest such period since nuclear testing began in 1945. This surpasses the previous record from 1998 to 2006. The last confirmed nuclear test was conducted by North Korea on September 3, 2017.

Dylan Spaulding, a senior scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists, highlighted the significance of this milestone but cautioned about its fragility. He noted that recent statements from U.S. President Donald Trump advocating for the resumption of nuclear testing could jeopardize this progress.

In October 2025, President Trump announced plans to restart U.S. nuclear weapons testing, ending a moratorium in place since 1992. This decision was made shortly before a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and has raised concerns about a potential global arms race.

Simultaneously, Russia has indicated intentions to resume nuclear testing. In November 2025, President Vladimir Putin directed the Russian military to prepare for weapons tests, citing U.S. actions as a catalyst.

These developments coincide with the impending expiration of the New START treaty on February 5, 2026. The treaty, implemented in 2011, limits the number of deployable nuclear warheads for both the U.S. and Russia. Without renewal or replacement, both nations could expand their arsenals without restraint for the first time in 50 years.

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), opened for signature in 1996, has not yet entered into force due to the lack of ratification by key states, including the U.S. and China. Despite this, the treaty has established a strong global norm against nuclear testing.

The current situation underscores the delicate balance of international nuclear agreements and the potential risks associated with their dissolution.