Overview
- The U.S. Space Force’s 30th Wing reported an unarmed Minuteman III launched from Vandenberg, flying roughly 4,200 miles to the Reagan Test Site at Kwajalein in a routine operational test.
- Air Force officials said the event was scheduled years in advance and framed it as a standard assessment of readiness and accuracy for the Minuteman III system.
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the president’s order pertains to testing components and delivery systems without nuclear detonations.
- IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned that renewed nuclear‑related testing weakens international security and questioned claims that Russia and China conduct secret explosive tests.
- Russia requested clarifications and began internal analysis, with Dmitry Peskov saying none were received, Sergey Naryshkin citing U.S. non‑answers, and Vladimir Putin directing agencies to propose possible responses; Senator Mark Kelly warned of destabilization risks and polling shows 48% of Americans oppose resuming nuclear tests.