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U.S. Narrows Nuclear Testing Plan to Non‑Nuclear System Trials

The Energy Secretary says the program relies on subcritical experiments with computer modeling to avoid new nuclear detonations.

Overview

  • President Trump ordered a resumption of U.S. nuclear weapons testing and accused Russia and China of conducting secret tests in a CBS interview.
  • Energy Secretary Chris Wright clarified that current plans involve 'system tests' that exercise all components except the nuclear explosive.
  • Officials say explosive effects will be simulated using data from past U.S. tests and high‑performance computing to evaluate design changes.
  • Trump declined to say whether underground detonations are intended, leading to public confusion as experts note mixed signals from the administration.
  • The move renews scrutiny of the moratorium since the last U.S. nuclear detonation in 1992 and the unratified CTBT, as the UN and others voice concern.