The Trump administration recently discussed the possibility of conducting the first American nuclear test since 1992, a move that would have far-reaching consequences for relations with other nuclear powers. The Washington Post reports, citing some sources, according to which the American security agencies spoke of the possibility only last Friday. The discussion follows allegations made by some administration officials in Russia and China who are 'guilty' of conducting nuclear tests.
A nuclear test, according to some administration officials, could be useful in Washington's negotiations with Russia and China to regulate nuclear arsenals. The discussion has not reached any conclusions for the moment but the proposal remains on the table despite the National Nuclear Security Administration's decision to oppose it. The United States has not conducted nuclear explosion tests since September 1992 and advocates of nuclear weapon non-proliferation would have destabilizing consequences, with the potential to blow up talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as well.