Trump orders Pentagon to start testing nuclear weapons 'on an equal basis' with other countries

Geopolitical Strategy & Nuclear Policy - US President Trump announced the potential resumption of nuclear weapons testing, aiming for parity with Russia and China [1] - The US last conducted a nuclear weapons test in 1992 [1] - Russia is actively developing and announcing new strategic weapons, including those causing tsunamis, signaling intimidation tactics [1] - China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal, drawing lessons from the Ukraine crisis regarding nuclear deterrence [1][2] - The current US-Russia New START agreement is expiring soon, necessitating significant arms control negotiations [2] Potential Motivations & Objectives - The announcement could be aimed at prompting Russia into serious nuclear arms control talks [2] - Trump may seek to engage China and Russia in discussions about nuclear weapons limitations [1] - The US might reposition its nuclear submarines in response to perceived threats from Russia [1] Technical & Logistical Considerations - Resuming testing on an "equal basis" might involve testing delivery systems rather than warheads [1] - Conducting a nuclear test would require a considerable amount of time for the US [1]