President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to prepare for the possible resumption of nuclear weapons testing, ending a moratorium that has been in place for more than 30 years.
The order was issued ahead of Trump’s scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. According to U.S. defense officials, the directive aims to ensure that the country remains competitive with other nations continuing to develop their nuclear capabilities.
The United States last conducted a nuclear weapons test in 1992. Although the U.S. signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), it has not ratified the agreement, which prohibits all nuclear explosions.
Pentagon officials have begun reviewing the logistical and technical requirements for renewed testing. Preparations could include refurbishing the Nevada National Security Site, where the last U.S. nuclear test took place.
The Pentagon has not provided a timeline for when testing might resume.