In the wake of allegations that China and Russia conducted low-yield nuclear tests, the Trump administration reportedly considered whether to carry out the first U.S. nuclear test explosion in 28 years.
America’s top security officials discussed the issue at a recent meeting, The Washington Post reported.
The U.S. last carried out nuclear tests in 1992 but has observed a freeze on such testing, since then.
The prospect of restarting testing reportedly came up in a meeting with officials from top national security agencies on Friday, May 15, after Russia and China were accused of performing low-yield nuclear tests — allegations both countries have firmly denied, according to the report.
![Photo courtesy of National Nuclear Security Administration / Nevada Site Office [Public domain]](https://www.viewsnews.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/An-image-of-the-BADGER-explosion-on-April-18-1953-as-part-of-Operation-Upshot-Knothole-at-the-Nevada-Test-Site..jpg)
A National Nuclear Security Administration image shows Nevada site of 1953 BADGER explosion conducted on April 18
In its report, the Post cited an unnamed senior Administration official as saying that showing Russia and China, two top adversaries, that the U.S. could conduct a “rapid test” could grant Washington leverage in seeking a trilateral nuclear deal.
Last week’s meeting did not conclude with a decision regarding a test, though the conversation on conducting one is reportedly ongoing. However, officials seriously disagreed with each other over the idea.
Concerns about the consequences of testing, particularly the health and environmental impacts, led to the signing of the Nuclear Testing and Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty by 184 nations. However, the U.S. has not ratified the pact.
Major powers have abided by the deal.
