UN spotlights nuclear weapon states’ refusal to ratify test ban treaty at divisive time

The United Nations has expressed concern over the refusal of key nuclear powers to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). The U.S., Russia, China, and other nations with nuclear arsenals have not approved the treaty, which would prohibit all nuclear testing. U.N. disarmament chief Izumi Nakamitsu warned that any resumption of testing could trigger another arms race, deepen mistrust, and risk nuclear miscalculation.

As of now, 179 countries have ratified the treaty, but the United States, China, Iran, Egypt, and Israel have signed but not ratified it. Russia revoked its ratification in 2023. The treaty's ultimate goal is to prevent the development of new nuclear arsenals and minimize the risks associated with nuclear weapons.