Is a New Cold War on the Horizon? From Putin’s Nuclear Torpedo to Trump’s Underground Test Plans

For some time now, the nuclear rivalry between the two superpowers—the U.S. and Russia—has once again become a central issue in international discussions. In the latest escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing after more than three decades.

According to Rokna, citing Reuters, Trump on Thursday directed the U.S. military to immediately restart the testing of nuclear weapons after a 33-year hiatus—an action widely interpreted as a signal to rival nuclear powers, namely Russia and China.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“The United States possesses more nuclear weapons than any other country. This was achieved through a complete modernization and renewal of our existing arsenal during my first presidential term. Because of their immense destructive power, I hated having to do it—but there was no other option. Russia ranks second, and China, while currently third, will reach this level within five years. Since other nations are conducting such tests, I have instructed the Department of Defense to begin our own nuclear weapons testing program immediately and on equal terms. This process will commence right away. Thank you for your attention to this matter. —Donald J. Trump.”

Trump’s Underground Nuclear Test Ambitions?

Following his Thursday post and order to resume nuclear testing, Trump again emphasized on Friday his determination to carry out such tests, though he refrained from specifying whether these would include underground nuclear tests reminiscent of the Cold War era.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, while speaking to reporters aboard his plane en route to Palm Beach, Florida, Trump was asked about the possibility of underground nuclear testing. He replied:
“You’ll find out soon enough. But yes, we plan to conduct certain tests. Other countries are doing it—if they’re going to, then so will we.”

Missile and Nuclear Torpedo Tests

Trump’s statements and his directive to resume nuclear testing—after more than three decades—come shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the successful testing of a nuclear-powered missile and a nuclear torpedo.

As reported by Reuters and other global media outlets last week, Putin declared that Russia had successfully tested the nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile. According to Reuters, this test, combined with large-scale Russian nuclear exercises, was intended to send a message that Moscow will never succumb to Western pressure.

Putin also revealed on Wednesday that Russia had successfully tested a powerful nuclear torpedo named Poseidon. Experts cited by Reuters stated that the weapon is capable of generating radioactive ocean waves strong enough to devastate coastal regions.