Trump Signals Return to U.S. Nuclear Testing, Sparks Global Backlash After Russia’s Burevestnik Breakthrough

U.S. President Donald J. Trump has announced a resumption of American nuclear weapons testing, triggering an immediate international backlash. The declaration follows Russia’s confirmed test of Burevestnik, a nuclear-powered cruise missile capable of intercontinental range and prolonged flight time -- a move many see as reigniting the global arms race.

Representational Image Source: Nobel Prize

In a post on social media platform Truth Social, Trump claimed the United States possesses “more Nuclear Weapons than any other country,” asserting that his previous administration had undertaken a “complete update and renovation” of the U.S. arsenal. 

Citing ongoing weapons development by adversaries, Trump stated he had instructed the “Department of War” to begin renewed testing of nuclear weapons, a shift in nomenclature that drew immediate condemnation.

“I HATED to do it, but had no choice!” Trump wrote, asserting that Russia is second in nuclear capabilities and China a “distant third.” The timing of his post coincides with Russia's recent confirmation of successful trials of its Burevestnik system — a cruise missile powered by a nuclear reactor, reportedly capable of flying over 14,000 km and circumventing missile defence systems. Russian President Vladimir Putin called it a “unique weapon” with no current equivalent, claiming it “demonstrates Russia’s technological superiority.”

International reaction was swift.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, in a pointed response posted on X (formerly Twitter), accused the U.S. of “normalizing the proliferation of such heinous weapons” and branded it “the world’s most dangerous proliferation risk.” He condemned Trump’s language and policy pivot, saying, “Having rebranded its ‘Department of Defense’ as the ‘Department of War,’ a nuclear-armed bully is resuming testing of atomic weapons.”

Declassified and upscaled nuclear test footages.pic.twitter.com/aq7e9SiNky

— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) October 24, 2025

Iran also highlighted the hypocrisy of Washington’s posture, noting that while it threatens Iran’s safeguarded civilian nuclear infrastructure, it now appears poised to revive underground nuclear testing. “This is a regressive and irresponsible move,” Araghchi said, calling for the global community to hold the U.S. accountable.

While Trump did not specify when or where testing might resume, his announcement comes amid rising concerns over the erosion of nuclear non-proliferation norms. 

The United States has not conducted an active nuclear test since 1992, though it retains the capability to do so within months if ordered.

Arms control experts warn that any move to resume U.S. nuclear testing could deal a fatal blow to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which has not yet entered into force.

Neither the U.S. Department of Defense nor the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) have officially confirmed a resumption of tests. However, the rhetorical signal, coming amid heightened geopolitical tensions and open nuclear brinkmanship, marks a significant shift in Washington’s posture.

Critics warn that great-power rivalry may be entering a phase where “deterrence by demonstration” is once again being normalized -- with grave implications for global stability.