Trump-led US prepares for potential underground nuclear tests

The US President confirmed the country’s intention to restart nuclear tests for the first time in three decades. He did not specify whether the program would include underground tests, which were common during the Cold War.

“You'll find out very soon, but we're going to do some testing,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Florida, responding to questions about possible underground explosions.

According to him, other countries are already conducting similar tests, and if they do, “We're going to do it, OK?.”

Resuming testing after a 33-year pause

The day before, the US leader announced that he had ordered the resumption of nuclear weapons testing after a 33-year hiatus. Analysts say this move is a signal to other nuclear powers, such as China and Russia.

The statement was made during a Marine One helicopter flight en route to a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea.

It remains unclear whether this refers to actual nuclear explosive tests under the supervision of the National Nuclear Security Administration or to flight tests of missiles capable of carrying warheads.

However, the mention of underground testing caused widespread attention, as this was the method used by the US until 1992.

Reaction and consequences

During a visit to Malaysia, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that resuming testing is a very responsible way to maintain nuclear deterrence, noting that the Pentagon will work closely with the Department of Energy. “We're moving out quickly,” he emphasized.

At the same time, Democratic Representative Dina Titus of Nevada, home to the main US nuclear test site, introduced a bill prohibiting the resumption of underground testing and blocking its funding.

She warned that such a move could push Russia and China to take similar actions and once again put Nevada residents at risk of radiation and environmental harm.

US President Donald Trump rejected a request from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to exempt Hungary from sanctions on Russian oil supplies, reaffirming the steadfastness of the US position on the issue.

Additionally, the US canceled a planned meeting between President Trump and Vladimir Putin in Budapest after Moscow set strict conditions regarding Ukraine, which Washington deemed unacceptable for continuing negotiations.