UN reiterates that nuclear testing "can never be permitted" amid questions on proliferation
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Summary
Asked about social-media posts suggesting renewed nuclear testing, the UN spokesperson reiterated that the secretary-general considers current nuclear risks alarmingly high and that "nuclear testing can never be permitted under any circumstances."
When asked about a social-media post reporting orders to resume nuclear testing, the UN spokesperson reiterated the secretary-general's longstanding position that current nuclear risks are "already alarmingly high" and said "nuclear testing can never be permitted under any circumstances."
The spokesperson noted the disastrous legacy of more than 2,000 nuclear weapons tests carried out over the past eight decades and warned that actions that could lead to miscalculation or escalation with catastrophic consequences must be avoided.
Why it matters: Statements from the secretary-general or his office frame international norms on nuclear testing and influence diplomatic pressure on nuclear-capable states.
What remains unclear: The briefing repeated the secretary-general's normative position but did not provide new information about any specific testing programs or confirmation of the social-media claim.
