EXPLAINED: Trump orders Pentagon to resume nuclear testing

Geopolitical Implications - US may resume nuclear testing for the first time in 30 years to be on an equal basis with Russia and China [2] - Russia and the United States together hold 90% of the world's nuclear weapons [4] - Trump instructed the Department of Defense to begin nuclear testing immediately, details to follow [5] Nuclear Testing Context - China hasn't conducted nuclear testing involving detonation since 1996, focusing on delivery technology [2] - Russia announced testing of an underwater nuclear-powered long-range weapon, along with long-range nuclear-powered and nuclear-capable cruise missiles [3] - A federal facility in Nevada is available for the United States to resume nuclear testing [5] US Policy & Actions - Trump previously criticized Russia's nuclear testing as inappropriate and maintained denuclearization as a major goal [4] - The US conducted air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities months before the announcement [5]