President Donald Trump has indicated that he may let the last major nuclear arms control treaty with Russia, the New START treaty, expire early next year. In an interview with The New York Times, he said, “If it expires, it expires,” suggesting that he would not extend the agreement in its current form.
The New START treaty, signed in 2010, limits the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems, including long-range missiles, bombers, and submarines, for both countries. Under the treaty, each side is allowed up to 1,550 deployed warheads and 700 delivery vehicles. The treaty was extended once for five years under the Biden administration, making it the last standing arms control agreement between the two nuclear powers.
Trump emphasized that he would prefer a “better deal” rather than simply renewing the existing treaty. He expressed interest in negotiating a wider arms control framework that could include other nuclear nations, such as China, which has been rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal. Any future agreement, according to Trump, should address these emerging global nuclear threats.
Arms control experts have warned that allowing the treaty to lapse without a replacement could weaken global nuclear stability. Without a formal limit on nuclear weapons, both countries could potentially increase their deployed warheads, raising the risk of an arms race.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had reportedly offered to continue observing the treaty limits voluntarily if Trump agreed to do the same, but there has been no indication that this offer will be accepted. Meanwhile, China has refused to join any trilateral nuclear arms talks.
With the treaty’s expiration approaching in February 2026, the world is watching closely.
Also Read: Iran protests intensify, internet shut down
