United Nations warns nuclear test ban treaty non-ratification risks arms race

The United Nations has warned that the refusal of several nuclear-armed nations to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) could trigger a new global arms race. Speaking to the UN General Assembly during the International Day against Nuclear Tests, disarmament chief Izumi Nakamitsu highlighted concerns regarding deep geopolitical tensions and the potential resumption of atomic testing.

While the treaty requires ratification by 44 specific countries to enter into force, nine have yet to do so. The United States, China, Iran, Egypt, and Israel have signed the treaty but not ratified it. India, Pakistan, and North Korea have neither signed nor ratified. Russia, which had previously ratified, revoked its ratification in 2023.

Robert Floyd, head of the CTBT oversight organization, noted that Tonga’s recent ratification brings the total number of parties to 179. Floyd cautioned that a return to testing would lead to technologically advanced nuclear arsenals and increased risks of nuclear miscalculation.