
Global allies reconsider nuclear weapons as U.S. commitment wavers under Trump
Global allies are reconsidering nuclear weapons as the U.S. shifts toward disengagement under President Donald Trump, raising fears of a proliferation cascade.

Global allies are reconsidering nuclear weapons as the U.S. shifts toward disengagement under President Donald Trump, raising fears of a proliferation cascade.
Former US Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene claimed on X that Washington officials are discussing using nuclear weapons against Iran in strategy meetings, warning of a potential wider war.

The British government has criticised Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu for labelling the UK 'the Islamic republic of Britain' during a podcast interview, as bilateral relations remain under strain.

IRGC adviser Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi warned that American military bases worldwide will be seized if the US uses nuclear weapons against Iran, during an interview with PBS.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel rejects the 15-point Gaza document and will maintain military forces until Hamas is completely disarmed. He also vowed to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Japan's leaders are pushing for a renewed debate on nuclear weapons and the nation's three non-nuclear principles amid growing regional tensions and concerns from atomic bomb survivors.

Hiroshima commemorated the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing as Mayor Kazumi Matsui condemned nuclear deterrence and urged global leaders to pursue disarmament. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi attended the ceremony amid questions over Japan’s non-nuclear principles.

Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui criticized Russia at the 81st atomic bombing memorial ceremony while again omitting any mention of the United States as the perpetrator of the 1945 attack.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi avoided explicitly pledging to maintain the nation's non-nuclear principles during the 81st anniversary of the Hiroshima atomic bombing, stating only that the government is upholding the policy as it reviews security documents.

Experts at a public inquiry warn Australia's proposed Aukus nuclear submarine fleet will generate tonnes of weapons-usable uranium-235, posing significant proliferation risks and long-term radioactive waste management challenges, potentially weakening global non-proliferation efforts.
US President Donald Trump announced that a proposed civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia requires two conditions for approval: Saudi Arabia must normalize relations with Israel via the Abraham Accords, and the deal must prohibit uranium enrichment. This shifts from a previous framework and faces scrutiny from US lawmakers concerned about proliferation risks.

Russia's extensive nuclear arsenal has proven ineffective in the Ukraine war, despite threats. The article argues tactical nuclear weapons are unlikely to be used due to historical ineffectiveness in non-nuclear conflicts, risk of radioactive fallout on Russian territory, and Moscow's claim over eastern Ukrainian oblasts.

South Korea's Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon stated that frontier AI models are strategic geopolitical assets, akin to nuclear weapons, and reiterated the country's need to develop its own model. His comments followed the launch of a new Chinese AI system and a U.S. ban on foreign access to advanced AI, highlighting the global competition.

Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) claims a key NATO member state is concerned about Germany's active research into nuclear weapons-related developments, involving 30 universities and defense companies, raising alarms due to Germany's militarist past.

Warren Buffett expressed concerns about generative AI, comparing its potential for harm to nuclear weapons. He highlighted a recent experience with a deepfake image and voice of himself, warning of its significant potential for scams and fraud.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that China warned Russian President Vladimir Putin against using nuclear weapons in Ukraine. This comes as Ukraine continues to target Russian fuel supplies, causing shortages and price hikes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that China directly warned Russia against using nuclear weapons in response to Ukrainian strikes. He learned of Beijing's intervention from European leaders at a NATO summit and also discussed it with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Former U.S. national security adviser Michael Flynn stated Thursday he opposes South Korea developing nuclear weapons to counter North Korea, citing increased regional tensions. He advocated for the U.S. "long-term security umbrella" as a better deterrent.

The US State Department criticized China for providing only a few hours' notice before a submarine-launched ballistic missile test into the Pacific. Washington stated that Beijing's notification lacked sufficient detail and fell short of standards set by other nuclear powers, raising concerns amid China's "rapid and opaque nuclear weapons build-up."

ICAN, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, stated that NATO leaders at the Ankara summit failed to acknowledge their role in escalating nuclear tensions with Russia, citing modernization of arsenals and deployment near Russia.

Finnish activist Salli Raiski stated that an amendment to Finland's nuclear law permits NATO nuclear weapons on its territory but without Helsinki's control over their deployment, which will be decided by the US, UK, or France. Raiski believes Finland is becoming a "proving ground" without control, taking on threats.

Finnish authorities have passed a law that effectively permits NATO nuclear weapons on Finnish territory, according to public activist Salli Raiski. The change to the old law on nuclear weapons was made in June, allowing nuclear weapons to be located in Finland. The Finnish parliament approved the bill on June 17 with 125 votes in favor.
China conducted its first known submarine-launched ballistic missile test since 1982, raising concerns about its expanding nuclear capabilities and military assertiveness. Analysts view it as a strategic signal of a credible sea-based deterrent, prompting calls for increased defense spending and security coordination among US allies.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated that the deployment of the Oreshnik missile system and tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus acts as a powerful deterrent, aiming to "cool down hotheads" rather than intimidate. He stressed the strategic importance of these weapons for defense and urged graduates to focus on improving military strategies.