Trump Proposes New Nuclear Arms Control Pact Following New START Expiry
The last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between the United States and Russia, the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), has expired, ending over two decades of formal bilateral limitations on the world's largest nuclear arsenals. In response to the treaty's lapse, U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the creation of a new and updated nuclear treaty, describing the previous arrangement as outdated and insufficient.
The New START agreement, established in 2010 between the United States and Russia, set clear limits on the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads and their delivery systems, capping each side at 1,550 warheads and 700 delivery vehicles, which include missiles, submarines, and bombers. The treaty was previously extended once for a five-year period under an agreement between then-presidents of both nations.
After the treaty's expiration, President Trump stated that a more comprehensive and modernized agreement is necessary, emphasizing the need for expert input to ensure future arms control measures are both robust and enduring. Although Trump did not specify which nations would be included in a potential new pact, his administration has previously advocated for the inclusion of China, citing its rapidly expanding nuclear capabilities. However, China has publicly stated it does not intend to participate in such an arrangement.
The expiration of New START has raised international concerns regarding the potential for a renewed nuclear arms race. The absence of a formal agreement removes longstanding verification and transparency measures, potentially complicating efforts to monitor and manage the size and deployment of nuclear forces.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently proposed a one-year extension of the New START treaty, seeking to maintain restrictions while negotiations for a new framework could take place. The White House indicated that discussions with Russia would continue, but no immediate agreement was reached. Russian officials expressed regret over the treaty's expiration but signaled willingness to engage in dialogue if the United States responds constructively to Moscow's overtures. The Kremlin reaffirmed its commitment to a responsible approach regarding nuclear stability, stating that Russia would prioritize its national security interests moving forward.
Coinciding with the treaty's end, the United States and Russia resumed high-level military-to-military communications, which had been suspended since 2021. Senior defense officials from both countries met in Abu Dhabi, on the sidelines of diplomatic discussions concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The U.S. European Command described the resumption of these talks as a crucial factor for global stability, emphasizing the importance of direct communication channels in reducing tensions, fostering transparency, and supporting de-escalation.
The expiry of New START comes at a time of heightened global security challenges, underscoring the significance of arms control measures in maintaining strategic stability. As the international community monitors developments, the future of nuclear arms regulation remains uncertain, with major powers assessing their positions and potential pathways to renewed negotiations.
In the absence of a formal treaty, experts warn that the lack of mutual oversight mechanisms could increase the risk of miscalculation or unintended escalation. Both the United States and Russia possess the majority of the world's nuclear weapons, making their actions critical to the broader non-proliferation and disarmament agenda.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the prospect of a comprehensive, multilateral arms control agreement remains a key topic for international security policy. The evolving landscape will likely shape the direction of global nuclear governance in the years ahead.