US President Donald Trump has reiterated his pledge several times during his presidency as well as campaign trail, that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.His obsession with this statement is quite evident as the White House released a statement on when Trump said it in the past years.Notably, the US president said this no less than a dozen times while being in office this year.<h2>Here's the timeline of when he said it while being in office</h2>(6/17/25): “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. It’s very simple — you don’t have to go to too deep into it. They just can’t have a nuclear weapon.”6/16/25): “I want to see no nuclear weapon in Iran and we’re well on our way to making sure that happens.”(6/14/25): “You can’t have peace if Iran has a nuclear weapon.”(6/11/25): “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. They can’t have a nuclear weapon. We’re not going to allow that.”(5/16/25): “You have to view them as people and I don’t want it to be a violent thing, but they’re not going to have a nuclear weapon.”(5/15/25): “I want them to succeed. I want them to end up being a great country, frankly, but they can’t have a nuclear weapon.”(5/14/25): “I want to make a deal with Iran, I want to do something if it’s possible, but for that to happen, it must stop sponsoring terror, halt its bloody proxy wars, and permanently and verifiably cease its pursuit of nuclear weapons.”(5/13/25): “Iran can have a much brighter future — but we’ll never allow America and its allies to be threatened with terrorism or a nuclear attack. The choice is theirs to make. We really want them to be a successful country … but they cannot have a nuclear weapon.”(5/6/25): “We want it to be a great country. Let it be a tremendously successful, rich country … but they can’t have a nuclear weapon.”(5/4/25): “I want Iran to be really successful, really great, really fantastic — the only thing they can’t have is a nuclear weapon. If they want to be successful, that’s OK. I want them to be so successful and, you know, the Iranian people are incredible — I just don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon because the world will be destroyed.”(4/17/25): “Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon.”(4/14/25): “Iran has to get rid of the concept of a nuclear weapon. They cannot have a nuclear weapon.”(4/11/25): “I want Iran to be a wonderful, great, happy country — but they can’t have a nuclear weapon.”(2/10/25): “You cannot allow [Iran] to have a nuclear weapon.”(2/4/25): “It’s very simple: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, during campaign trails, Trump said this no less than 40 times, showing his great obsession or we can call a pledge to restrain Iran from having a nuclear weapon.&nbsp;(11/3/24): “Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon. Nuclear weapons are the greatest single threat to our country, but to the entire world.” (10/29/24): “I would have been very good to Iran. They — I had to have one thing, no nuclear weapons. You can’t have nuclear weapon. Nuclear weapons are the greatest danger to our country going forward, to the world going forward.”(10/28/24): “And all I wanted was Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon … That’s all I wanted. Very simple. You can’t have a nuclear weapon.”(10/23/24): “We don’t want Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”(10/16/24): “I didn’t want much. I wanted Iran to be very successful. I just don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon.”(10/14/24): “You can’t let them have a nuclear weapon.”(10/10/24): “I just don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon. It’s very simple.”(10/7/24): “I only wanted one thing. You can’t have a nuclear weapon. You cannot let them have a nuclear weapon.”(10/7/24): “No, they can’t have nukes. No, they can’t have nukes.”(10/1/24): "They can’t have a nuclear weapon — and now they’re very close to having one and it’s very dangerous for the world, very dangerous for the world … The biggest problem today, in my opinion, the biggest risk is the nuclear weapons.”(9/30/24): “All I want them to do is not have a nuclear weapon. They can’t have a nuclear weapon.”(9/26/24): “The only thing is [Iran] cannot have nuclear weapons.”(9/19/24): “I wanted one thing from Iran — no nuclear weapon. I didn’t want much — no nuclear weapon. And now they’re very close to getting it, and you can’t let that happen.”(9/17/24): “All we want is we don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. That’s all we want. We don’t want you to have a nuclear weapon.”(8/27/24): “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. We just can’t let them have a nuclear weapon. I’ll say this. If they do have a nuclear weapon, Israel is gone. It’ll be gone.”(8/23/24): “I don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon.”(8/23/24): “I just wanted to have a deal with Iran, very simple deal — can’t have a nuclear weapon. That’s it.”(8/15/24): “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. They can’t have a nuclear weapon. And we were all set to make sure that they don’t have a nuclear weapon. Because once they do, it’s a whole different world, it’s a whole different negotiation.”(8/8/24): “Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon — it’s very simple.”(8/5/24): “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. It’s very simple. They can’t have a nuclear weapon. You cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon.”(7/10/24): “Iran should not have a nuclear weapon … Iran should never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.”(6/20/24): “The main thing is Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon. That was my main thing. The deal was a simple deal. Iran can’t have a nuclear. You know, it can’t have a missile, it can’t have a nuclear missile. It cannot have that nuclear capability.”(5/15/24): “We have a very hostile country that wants nuclear weapons. You can’t let that happen.” (6/15/24) “Iran should not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. They would never have had even close to a nuclear weapon. They are very close to getting a nuclear weapon. You cannot let that happen.”(5/1/24): “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon — very simple. They cannot have a nuclear weapon.”(4/30/24): “You can’t let Iran have nuclear weapons.”(3/25/24): “Iran wanted to make a deal, and what the deal — 90% of the deal that I want to make is no nuclear weapon. That’s 90% — almost 100%. It might be 100%. That’s all I want. No nuclear weapon for Iran”(2/23/24): “I want everybody to be happy. They just can’t have a nuclear weapon.”(1/20/24): “I just didn’t want Iran to have a nuclear weapon. I said, ‘You know, we’re going to make a great deal. Everybody’s going to be happy. You’re going to be rich as hell again. Everything’s going to be great, but you cannot have a nuclear weapon.’”(1/5/24): “They cannot have a nuclear weapon. That was the only thing — the one thing I said, ‘You cannot have.’”(1/5/24): “I just don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon.”(12/30/23): “They will have, within a short period of time, nuclear weapons — and that is never something that can be allowed to happen.”“No nuclear weapons. You can’t have nuclear weapons. (11/9/23): Nuclear weapons are the single greatest threat to this world.”(10/29/23): “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. That’s all. They can’t have nuclear weapons. It’s too destructive, too powerful. They can’t have it.”(10/16/23): “Don’t let Iran have nuclear weapons. That’s my only thing I have to tell you today. Don’t let them have it.”(7/15/23): “No nuclear weapons. You can’t give [Iran] nuclear weapons.”(6/24/23): “You cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. You cannot let it happen because bad things will happen if that happens.”(1/6/20): “IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!”(6/22/19): “Iran cannot have Nuclear Weapons!”(1/24/15): “We can’t let Iran get a nuclear weapon. We can’t do it. Can’t do it. We cannot let that happen.”(11/4/11): “We can’t allow Iran to go nuclear.”&nbsp;

His obsession with this statement is quite evident as the White House released a statement on when Trump said it in the past years.

US President Donald Trump has reiterated his pledge several times during his presidency as well as campaign trail, that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. His obsession with this statement is quite evident as the White House released a statement on when Trump said it in the past years. Notably, the US president said this no less than a dozen times while being in office this year. Here's the timeline of when he said it while being in office (6/17/25): “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. It’s very simple — you don’t have to go to too deep into it. They just can’t have a nuclear weapon.” 6/16/25): “I want to see no nuclear weapon in Iran and we’re well on our way to making sure that happens.” (6/14/25): “You can’t have peace if Iran has a nuclear weapon.” (6/11/25): “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. They can’t have a nuclear weapon. We’re not going to allow that.” (5/16/25): “You have to view them as people and I don’t want it to be a violent thing, but they’re not going to have a nuclear weapon.” (5/15/25): “I want them to succeed. I want them to end up being a great country, frankly, but they can’t have a nuclear weapon.” (5/14/25): “I want to make a deal with Iran, I want to do something if it’s possible, but for that to happen, it must stop sponsoring terror, halt its bloody proxy wars, and permanently and verifiably cease its pursuit of nuclear weapons.” (5/13/25): “Iran can have a much brighter future — but we’ll never allow America and its allies to be threatened with terrorism or a nuclear attack. The choice is theirs to make. We really want them to be a successful country … but they cannot have a nuclear weapon.” (5/6/25): “We want it to be a great country. Let it be a tremendously successful, rich country … but they can’t have a nuclear weapon.” (5/4/25): “I want Iran to be really successful, really great, really fantastic — the only thing they can’t have is a nuclear weapon. If they want to be successful, that’s OK. I want them to be so successful and, you know, the Iranian people are incredible — I just don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon because the world will be destroyed.” (4/17/25): “Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon.” (4/14/25): “Iran has to get rid of the concept of a nuclear weapon. They cannot have a nuclear weapon.” (4/11/25): “I want Iran to be a wonderful, great, happy country — but they can’t have a nuclear weapon.” (2/10/25): “You cannot allow [Iran] to have a nuclear weapon.” (2/4/25): “It’s very simple: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.” Meanwhile, during campaign trails, Trump said this no less than 40 times, showing his great obsession or we can call a pledge to restrain Iran from having a nuclear weapon. (11/3/24): “Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon. Nuclear weapons are the greatest single threat to our country, but to the entire world.” (10/29/24): “I would have been very good to Iran. They — I had to have one thing, no nuclear weapons. You can’t have nuclear weapon. Nuclear weapons are the greatest danger to our country going forward, to the world going forward.” (10/28/24): “And all I wanted was Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon … That’s all I wanted. Very simple. You can’t have a nuclear weapon.” (10/23/24): “We don’t want Iran to have a nuclear weapon.” (10/16/24): “I didn’t want much. I wanted Iran to be very successful. I just don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon.” (10/14/24): “You can’t let them have a nuclear weapon.” (10/10/24): “I just don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon. It’s very simple.” (10/7/24): “I only wanted one thing. You can’t have a nuclear weapon. You cannot let them have a nuclear weapon.” (10/7/24): “No, they can’t have nukes. No, they can’t have nukes.” (10/1/24): "They can’t have a nuclear weapon — and now they’re very close to having one and it’s very dangerous for the world, very dangerous for the world … The biggest problem today, in my opinion, the biggest risk is the nuclear weapons.” (9/30/24): “All I want them to do is not have a nuclear weapon. They can’t have a nuclear weapon.” (9/26/24): “The only thing is [Iran] cannot have nuclear weapons.” (9/19/24): “I wanted one thing from Iran — no nuclear weapon. I didn’t want much — no nuclear weapon. And now they’re very close to getting it, and you can’t let that happen.” (9/17/24): “All we want is we don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. That’s all we want. We don’t want you to have a nuclear weapon.” (8/27/24): “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. We just can’t let them have a nuclear weapon. I’ll say this. If they do have a nuclear weapon, Israel is gone. It’ll be gone.” (8/23/24): “I don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon.” (8/23/24): “I just wanted to have a deal with Iran, very simple deal — can’t have a nuclear weapon. That’s it.” (8/15/24): “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. They can’t have a nuclear weapon. And we were all set to make sure that they don’t have a nuclear weapon. Because once they do, it’s a whole different world, it’s a whole different negotiation.” (8/8/24): “Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon — it’s very simple.” (8/5/24): “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. It’s very simple. They can’t have a nuclear weapon. You cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon.” (7/10/24): “Iran should not have a nuclear weapon … Iran should never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.” (6/20/24): “The main thing is Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon. That was my main thing. The deal was a simple deal. Iran can’t have a nuclear. You know, it can’t have a missile, it can’t have a nuclear missile. It cannot have that nuclear capability.” (5/15/24): “We have a very hostile country that wants nuclear weapons. You can’t let that happen.” (6/15/24) “Iran should not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. They would never have had even close to a nuclear weapon. They are very close to getting a nuclear weapon. You cannot let that happen.” (5/1/24): “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon — very simple. They cannot have a nuclear weapon.” (4/30/24): “You can’t let Iran have nuclear weapons.” (3/25/24): “Iran wanted to make a deal, and what the deal — 90% of the deal that I want to make is no nuclear weapon. That’s 90% — almost 100%. It might be 100%. That’s all I want. No nuclear weapon for Iran” (2/23/24): “I want everybody to be happy. They just can’t have a nuclear weapon.” (1/20/24): “I just didn’t want Iran to have a nuclear weapon. I said, ‘You know, we’re going to make a great deal. Everybody’s going to be happy. You’re going to be rich as hell again. Everything’s going to be great, but you cannot have a nuclear weapon.’” (1/5/24): “They cannot have a nuclear weapon. That was the only thing — the one thing I said, ‘You cannot have.’” (1/5/24): “I just don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon.” (12/30/23): “They will have, within a short period of time, nuclear weapons — and that is never something that can be allowed to happen.” “No nuclear weapons. You can’t have nuclear weapons. (11/9/23): Nuclear weapons are the single greatest threat to this world.” (10/29/23): “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. That’s all. They can’t have nuclear weapons. It’s too destructive, too powerful. They can’t have it.” (10/16/23): “Don’t let Iran have nuclear weapons. That’s my only thing I have to tell you today. Don’t let them have it.” (7/15/23): “No nuclear weapons. You can’t give [Iran] nuclear weapons.” (6/24/23): “You cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. You cannot let it happen because bad things will happen if that happens.” (1/6/20): “IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!” (6/22/19): “Iran cannot have Nuclear Weapons!” (1/24/15): “We can’t let Iran get a nuclear weapon. We can’t do it. Can’t do it. We cannot let that happen.” (11/4/11): “We can’t allow Iran to go nuclear.”

His obsession with this statement is quite evident as the White House released a statement on when Trump said it in the past years.

'15 times this year, over 40...': How many times Trump said 'Iran cannot have nuclear weapons'? A TIMELINE

Countries with the most Nuclear weapons,  check where India stands in the list

Out of 195 countries in the world, only nine have nukes, collectively holding around 12,331 nuclear warheads. Check the whole list here:&nbsp;

Countries with the most nuclear weapons, check where India stands in the list

After taking over the presidency, US President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;has been hell-bent on trying to get a new deal over Iran's controversial nuclear programme. His obsession with not allowing Iran to have nuclear weapons has been making headlines for months now.&nbsp;
US and Iran officials have been holding indirect talks over the nukes concern as Trump is pushing hard to make Iran sign a deal.&nbsp;
On Tuesday, the US president bashed Iran, calling it the "most destructive force" in the Middle East, and accused it of causing unthinkable suffering to the Middle Eastern nations.&nbsp;
During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Trump also criticised Iran for tearing down the region and funding bloodshed abroad.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-sanctions-over-20-companies-for-facilitating-iranian-oil-shipments-to-china-9067037">US sanctions over 20 companies for facilitating Iranian oil shipments to China</a>
<h2>How it started - Let's go back to 2018</h2>
The suspicions arose when Iran was found to have secret facilities in 2002. Following this, an agreement was made, called the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which Iran and almost all other countries signed.&nbsp;
As per the agreement, countries can use non-military nuclear technology for medicine, agriculture and energy, but does not allow the development of nuclear weapons.
Later, all the further nuclear talks goes back to 2018, when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear deal and sent a letter to Iranian leadership, proposing talks. However, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected it, calling it Trump's tactic to present additional demands.&nbsp;
Cut to 2015, the US along with other nations - China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK, the US, and the EU - signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with Iran to limit its nuclear programme, and in exchange offered sanctions relief.&nbsp;
According to the deal, Iran agreed to limit its uranium enrichment to 3.67 per cent purity. It is the level, suitable for civilian nuclear power generation but far below the 90 per cent enrichment needed for weapons-grade uranium.&nbsp;
Iran has been reiterating that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only. However, many countries and the global nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are not convinced.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-most-destructive-force-in-middle-east-trump-bashes-iran-for-causing-unthinkable-suffering-9065701">'Iran MOST DESTRUCTIVE force in Middle East': Trump bashes Iran for causing unthinkable suffering</a>
<h2>Trump against Iran nukes - Reasons explained</h2>
In 2018, Trump withdrew the US from the JCPOA, also known as the Iran nuclear deal, and reimposed economic sanctions, which infuriated Tehran.&nbsp;
He also criticised the deal as "defective at its core". Not just that, the US president also warned Iran of military action if the talks do not succeed.
<h3>'Funding terror groups'&nbsp;</h3>
The US president accused Iran of using financial relief from the deal to fund terrorist groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis running and military operations in the Middle East.&nbsp;
<h3>'Maximum pressure campaign'</h3>
Trump then launched a "maximum pressure" campaign aimed at crippling Iran&rsquo;s economy and pushing it for a new agreement.&nbsp;
<h3>'Most destructive force'</h3>
Trump sees Iran as a major destabilising force in the Middle East, calling it the "most destructive force". He believes that if Iran will develop nuclear weapons, it would increase the risk of nuclear proliferation.&nbsp;
At last, Trump's push for opposing Iran to have nuclear weapons is majorly because of regional stability, the potential for increased US security threats and Iran's aid to terror groups.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/talk-to-us-or-risk-regime-collapse-top-iranian-officials-pressured-khamenei-to-allow-us-iran-nuclear-talks-8952627">&lsquo;Talk to US or risk regime collapse&rsquo;: Top Iranian officials pressured Khamenei to allow US-Iran nuclear talks</a>

Trump bashed Iran, calling it the "most destructive force" in the Middle East, and accused it of causing unthinkable suffering to the Middle Eastern nations. WORLD

After taking over the presidency, US President Donald Trump has been hell-bent on trying to get a new deal over Iran's controversial nuclear programme. His obsession with not allowing Iran to have nuclear weapons has been making headlines for months now. US and Iran officials have been holding indirect talks over the nukes concern as Trump is pushing hard to make Iran sign a deal. On Tuesday, the US president bashed Iran, calling it the "most destructive force" in the Middle East, and accused it of causing unthinkable suffering to the Middle Eastern nations. During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Trump also criticised Iran for tearing down the region and funding bloodshed abroad. Also read: US sanctions over 20 companies for facilitating Iranian oil shipments to China How it started - Let's go back to 2018 The suspicions arose when Iran was found to have secret facilities in 2002. Following this, an agreement was made, called the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which Iran and almost all other countries signed. As per the agreement, countries can use non-military nuclear technology for medicine, agriculture and energy, but does not allow the development of nuclear weapons. Later, all the further nuclear talks goes back to 2018, when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear deal and sent a letter to Iranian leadership, proposing talks. However, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected it, calling it Trump's tactic to present additional demands. Cut to 2015, the US along with other nations - China, France, Germany, Russia, the UK, the US, and the EU - signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with Iran to limit its nuclear programme, and in exchange offered sanctions relief. According to the deal, Iran agreed to limit its uranium enrichment to 3.67 per cent purity. It is the level, suitable for civilian nuclear power generation but far below the 90 per cent enrichment needed for weapons-grade uranium. Iran has been reiterating that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only. However, many countries and the global nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are not convinced. Also read: 'Iran MOST DESTRUCTIVE force in Middle East': Trump bashes Iran for causing unthinkable suffering Trump against Iran nukes - Reasons explained In 2018, Trump withdrew the US from the JCPOA, also known as the Iran nuclear deal, and reimposed economic sanctions, which infuriated Tehran. He also criticised the deal as "defective at its core". Not just that, the US president also warned Iran of military action if the talks do not succeed. 'Funding terror groups' The US president accused Iran of using financial relief from the deal to fund terrorist groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis running and military operations in the Middle East. 'Maximum pressure campaign' Trump then launched a "maximum pressure" campaign aimed at crippling Iran’s economy and pushing it for a new agreement. 'Most destructive force' Trump sees Iran as a major destabilising force in the Middle East, calling it the "most destructive force". He believes that if Iran will develop nuclear weapons, it would increase the risk of nuclear proliferation. At last, Trump's push for opposing Iran to have nuclear weapons is majorly because of regional stability, the potential for increased US security threats and Iran's aid to terror groups. Also read: ‘Talk to US or risk regime collapse’: Top Iranian officials pressured Khamenei to allow US-Iran nuclear talks

Trump's nuclear crusade: Here's how US vs Iran row begin over nuclear deal - EXPLAINED

Operation Sindoor aftermath: Are Pakistan's alleged nuclear sites damaged? Since the suspension of Operation Sindoor, India's military offensive to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack, social media has been abuzz with unsubstantiated, unverified information on Pakistan's nuclear facilities and alleged 'damage' to them. The posts, mostly conspiracy theories containing unverified and possibly fake 'reports' and 'documents', are giving rise to massive chatter about whether India damaged, or Pakistan destroyed, some nuclear installations in the wake of Operation Sindoor.
&nbsp;
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1305_WION_KIRANA_430PM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1305_WION_KIRANA_430PM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=199&amp;tags=operation sindoor, india, pakistan, nuclear site" title="Operation Sindoor: India denies striking Kirana hills, alleged Pakistani nuke site" id="PL_iframe_block-mamhp887-i24fzws1-yevyhlmq"></iframe>
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<h2>What is the Pakistani nuclear weapons capability, and where is the location?</h2>
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&nbsp;
Pakistan has around 170 nuclear weapons, as per the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies.
Kirana Hills is rumoured to be the area that is partly hosting Pakistan's nuclear arsenal, but there's no proof to clearly substantiate this.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/thank-you-for-telling-us-dgmos-quirky-response-on-media-telling-indian-army-about-pakistan-nuclear-base-in-kirana-hills-9061020">'Thank you for telling us': DGMO's quirky response on media telling Indian Army about Pakistan nuclear base in Kirana Hills</a>
Kirana Hills is a fortified defence area in Pakistan's Punjab province, where there was massive speculation that India had attacked.
But asked about it at a military press conference on Monday (May 12), leaders of the Indian defence operations brushed it aside.&nbsp;
The question posed was whether India targeted Kirana Hills during Operation Sindoor.
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<div id="article-index-5" class="storyParagraph"></div>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-are-kirana-hills-and-why-is-the-location-in-discussion-after-operation-sindoor-explained-9062648">What are Kirana Hills, and why is the location in discussion after Operation Sindoor | WION Explains</a>
In terms of nuclear energy, which is different from nuclear weapons capabilities, Pakistan has six reactors.&nbsp;
These operational reactors are located in Chashma and Karachi with four CNP300 reactors and two HPR1000 reactors, respectively. Pakistan is reportedly building a seventh reactor, the Chashma-5.
&nbsp;
<h2>Nur Khan base and Sardogha base are in proximity to nuclear weapons facilities&nbsp;</h2>
&nbsp;
According to various reports, the turning point in Operation Sindoor came when Pakistan realised that India could identify and strike its key military installations, and potentially even its nuclear facilities.
Here is why the reported strikes on or near Nur Khan and Sargodha bases by India are important.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/the-story-of-indian-strikes-on-pakistan-militarys-nerve-center-nur-khan-airbase-9063816">The story of Indian strikes on Pakistan military's nerve center: Nur Khan Airbase</a>
Nur Khan, also known as&nbsp;Naruhari Base,&nbsp;has defensive capabilities and is reportedly linked to Pakistan's nuclear programme, though it is not a nuclear facility in itself.&nbsp;
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It is located near Pakistan&rsquo;s Strategic Plans Division, which is in charge of its nuclear arsenal.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-will-be-sleepless-prime-minister-narendra-modi-lauds-indian-army-for-raising-pride-of-india-to-new-heights-operation-sindoor-india-pak-tensions-9064778">'Pakistan will be sleepless': PM Modi lauds Indian Army for raising pride of India to 'new heights'</a>
&nbsp;
Nur Khan also hosts the Pakistan Air Force College and Fazaia Inter College&nbsp;and surrounds the civilian airport, Benazir Bhutto International Airport.
It is worth recollecting here that Pakistan had allegedly kept the civilian airspace open deliberately, even as India was engaged in air offensive as part of Operation Sindoor.
The Sargodha Garrison is a large complex in and around Kirana Hills.&nbsp;A likely target of India's Operation Sindoor, Sargodha has a nuclear test site, reportedly used by Pakistan to advance its nuclear programme between 1983 and 1990.
<h2> So, what's the internet saying about Pakistan's nuclear facilities? </h2>
Several posts are doing the rounds, some of them already debunked.
One post claimed: "Radiation leak confirmed in Pakistan. Locals are suffering from vomiting, headaches, and nausea. Official admitted the leak &mdash; but military is silent."
Another post claimed without evidence that the Pakistani military "is forcing people to leave immediately, saying leave or die, due to radiation." Meanwhile, fact-check websites have found that a &lsquo;confidential&rsquo; letter on radiation leak in Pakistan, attributed to its Ministry on Climate Change, is fake.
There was even a post claiming that the "US Dept of Energy aircraft equipped to detect radiation landed at Pakistan&rsquo;s Nur Khan Base after it was hit by Indian Air Force."
</div>
"US experts in Rawalpindi to assess nuclear damage,&nbsp;radiation reportedly detected at the site," it claimed.
None of these posts has been proven to be true.

Operation Sindoor India Pakistan war Nur Khan Sargodha Kirana Hills nuclear sites damaged social media claims conspirac theories India News Trending Pakistan South Asia

Operation Sindoor aftermath: Are Pakistan's alleged nuclear sites damaged? Since the suspension of Operation Sindoor, India's military offensive to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack, social media has been abuzz with unsubstantiated, unverified information on Pakistan's nuclear facilities and alleged 'damage' to them. The posts, mostly conspiracy theories containing unverified and possibly fake 'reports' and 'documents', are giving rise to massive chatter about whether India damaged, or Pakistan destroyed, some nuclear installations in the wake of Operation Sindoor. What is the Pakistani nuclear weapons capability, and where is the location? Pakistan has around 170 nuclear weapons, as per the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies. Kirana Hills is rumoured to be the area that is partly hosting Pakistan's nuclear arsenal, but there's no proof to clearly substantiate this. 'Thank you for telling us': DGMO's quirky response on media telling Indian Army about Pakistan nuclear base in Kirana Hills Kirana Hills is a fortified defence area in Pakistan's Punjab province, where there was massive speculation that India had attacked. But asked about it at a military press conference on Monday (May 12), leaders of the Indian defence operations brushed it aside. The question posed was whether India targeted Kirana Hills during Operation Sindoor. What are Kirana Hills, and why is the location in discussion after Operation Sindoor | WION Explains In terms of nuclear energy, which is different from nuclear weapons capabilities, Pakistan has six reactors. These operational reactors are located in Chashma and Karachi with four CNP300 reactors and two HPR1000 reactors, respectively. Pakistan is reportedly building a seventh reactor, the Chashma-5. Nur Khan base and Sardogha base are in proximity to nuclear weapons facilities According to various reports, the turning point in Operation Sindoor came when Pakistan realised that India could identify and strike its key military installations, and potentially even its nuclear facilities. Here is why the reported strikes on or near Nur Khan and Sargodha bases by India are important. The story of Indian strikes on Pakistan military's nerve center: Nur Khan Airbase Nur Khan, also known as Naruhari Base, has defensive capabilities and is reportedly linked to Pakistan's nuclear programme, though it is not a nuclear facility in itself. It is located near Pakistan’s Strategic Plans Division, which is in charge of its nuclear arsenal. 'Pakistan will be sleepless': PM Modi lauds Indian Army for raising pride of India to 'new heights' Nur Khan also hosts the Pakistan Air Force College and Fazaia Inter College and surrounds the civilian airport, Benazir Bhutto International Airport. It is worth recollecting here that Pakistan had allegedly kept the civilian airspace open deliberately, even as India was engaged in air offensive as part of Operation Sindoor. The Sargodha Garrison is a large complex in and around Kirana Hills. A likely target of India's Operation Sindoor, Sargodha has a nuclear test site, reportedly used by Pakistan to advance its nuclear programme between 1983 and 1990. So, what's the internet saying about Pakistan's nuclear facilities? Several posts are doing the rounds, some of them already debunked. One post claimed: "Radiation leak confirmed in Pakistan. Locals are suffering from vomiting, headaches, and nausea. Official admitted the leak — but military is silent." Another post claimed without evidence that the Pakistani military "is forcing people to leave immediately, saying leave or die, due to radiation." Meanwhile, fact-check websites have found that a ‘confidential’ letter on radiation leak in Pakistan, attributed to its Ministry on Climate Change, is fake. There was even a post claiming that the "US Dept of Energy aircraft equipped to detect radiation landed at Pakistan’s Nur Khan Base after it was hit by Indian Air Force." "US experts in Rawalpindi to assess nuclear damage, radiation reportedly detected at the site," it claimed. None of these posts has been proven to be true.

Operation Sindoor: Social media buzzing with claims on Pakistan's alleged nuclear sites, after India struck its air force assets

Representatives from the United States and Iran will convene in Muscat for the fourth round of discussions regarding Iran's nuclear program.

Iran-US nuclear talks: Fourth round of Iran, US nuclear talks to convene in Muscat

Amid soaring tensions following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Pakistan's Defense Minister has issued a stark warning, declaring that Islamabad has reinforced its forces in anticipation of what he calls an imminent strike by India. This move has further escalated the already volatile situation between the two nuclear-armed rivals. While refusing to detail the nature of these decisions, the minister emphasized that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal would only be deployed in the event of a direct existential threat.

Pak defence minister: Would only use nuclear weapons if "there is a direct threat to our existence"

NATO Chief Mark Rutte has warned that Russia is considering the deployment of nuclear weapons in space, and that it will be a threat to the thousands of satellites orbiting the Earth that are crucial for defence, communications, and the daily lives of people. In an interview with the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned that the Russian nuclear weapons in space would not target Earth but may target satellites and would be a violation of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
&ldquo;We are aware of reports that Russia is examining the possibility of placing nuclear weapons in space,&rdquo; Rutte told Welt am Sonntag in an interview published on Saturday. Welt is a sister publication of POLITICO in the Axel Springer Group.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/post/8955829" rel="dofollow">Indian pharma warehouse in Ukraine hit by Russian missile: Ukrainian embassy</a>
&ldquo;Moscow&rsquo;s capabilities in space are outdated in comparison with the West. Therefore, the development of nuclear weapons in space is a way for Russia to improve its capabilities. This is very worrying,&rdquo; he added.
The weapons would not target Earth, but shooting down satellites could have serious ramifications, as several systems and services we are accustomed to using rely on satellites, including navigation and communication systems, as well as environmental monitoring. &ldquo;Space is also very important for our deterrence and defence&mdash;just as important as land, sea, air, and cyberspace,&rdquo; Rutte said.&nbsp; Rutte added that such a move by Russia would violate the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, signed by the United States and the Soviet Union at the time. The international agreement signed by 114 countries to prevent an arms race is still the framework of international space law and prohibits the deployment of weapons of mass destruction in space.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-of-georgia-introduces-bill-to-recognise-hinduphobia-and-anti-hindu-prejudice-8952805" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US' State of Georgia introduces bill to recognise Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu prejudice</a> Critics, however, point out that the treaty does not completely rule out military activities in space and may not address the dangers that emanate from modern satellite systems. &ldquo;NATO allies are adapting to the challenges in space, including sharing intelligence and establishing national space command centres, but also developing smaller satellites that are more manoeuvrable and better protected,&rdquo; he added.
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-78-to-undergo-checkup-says-never-felt-better-will-his-reports-be-made-public-8951391" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Trump, 78, to undergo checkup, says &lsquo;never felt better&rsquo;; will his reports be made public?</a> &ldquo;In recent years, space has become increasingly crowded, dangerous, and unpredictable. We know that competition in space is fierce and becoming increasingly bitter. And not just in commercial terms. This affects our entire security,&rdquo; he said. With about 7,000 satellites currently orbiting Earth, &ldquo;space-based systems directly affect our way of life,&rdquo; said Rutte, a former Dutch prime minister. &ldquo;They ensure, for example, that mobile phones, banking services, and weather forecasts work.&rdquo;

World: “Space is also very important for our deterrence and defence—just as important as land, sea, air, and cyberspace,” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said.

NATO Chief Mark Rutte has warned that Russia is considering the deployment of nuclear weapons in space, and that it will be a threat to the thousands of satellites orbiting the Earth that are crucial for defence, communications, and the daily lives of people. In an interview with the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned that the Russian nuclear weapons in space would not target Earth but may target satellites and would be a violation of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. “We are aware of reports that Russia is examining the possibility of placing nuclear weapons in space,” Rutte told Welt am Sonntag in an interview published on Saturday. Welt is a sister publication of POLITICO in the Axel Springer Group. Also Read | Indian pharma warehouse in Ukraine hit by Russian missile: Ukrainian embassy “Moscow’s capabilities in space are outdated in comparison with the West. Therefore, the development of nuclear weapons in space is a way for Russia to improve its capabilities. This is very worrying,” he added. The weapons would not target Earth, but shooting down satellites could have serious ramifications, as several systems and services we are accustomed to using rely on satellites, including navigation and communication systems, as well as environmental monitoring. “Space is also very important for our deterrence and defence—just as important as land, sea, air, and cyberspace,” Rutte said. Rutte added that such a move by Russia would violate the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, signed by the United States and the Soviet Union at the time. The international agreement signed by 114 countries to prevent an arms race is still the framework of international space law and prohibits the deployment of weapons of mass destruction in space. Also Read | US' State of Georgia introduces bill to recognise Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu prejudice Critics, however, point out that the treaty does not completely rule out military activities in space and may not address the dangers that emanate from modern satellite systems. “NATO allies are adapting to the challenges in space, including sharing intelligence and establishing national space command centres, but also developing smaller satellites that are more manoeuvrable and better protected,” he added. Also Read | Trump, 78, to undergo checkup, says ‘never felt better’; will his reports be made public? “In recent years, space has become increasingly crowded, dangerous, and unpredictable. We know that competition in space is fierce and becoming increasingly bitter. And not just in commercial terms. This affects our entire security,” he said. With about 7,000 satellites currently orbiting Earth, “space-based systems directly affect our way of life,” said Rutte, a former Dutch prime minister. “They ensure, for example, that mobile phones, banking services, and weather forecasts work.”

Russia seeking to deploy nuclear weapons in space, warns NATO chief

Both Poland and Germany are now openly calling for nuclear weapons. A move that could potentially change the security landscape of Europe forever.

End of Nuclear Disarmament: Poland, Germany want nuclear weapons

Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian Thursday (February 13) asserted that the nation would rebuild its nuclear centres if they come under attack by Israel. Watch this report for more details!

Iran vows to build thousand nuclear centres if Israel attacks

U.S. President Donald Trump says he wants to make a good deal with Iran, but at the same time, Donald Trump has ordered to apply maximum pressure against Iran's nuclear capacities. Can U.S. and Iran hit the refresh button?

U.S. intelligence says Iran is increasing pace to build cruder weapons: Report

#gravitas | Should South Korea make nuclear bombs? In the past two years, this became a matter of mainstream political debate in the country. However, according to a report, a poll by gallup korea revealed about 73 percent of South Koreans believe that the country should develop its own nuclear weapons. Watch this video to find out more. 

Why South Koreans Want The Country To Have Nukes?

A new survey reveals that 73% of South Koreans are in favor of the country developing its own nuclear weapons, reflecting growing concerns over regional security and North Korea's nuclear threat. The shift in public opinion highlights the changing attitudes toward defense policies in South Korea.



73% of South Koreans Support Developing Nuclear Weapons, Survey Shows

#gravitas | Should South Korea make nuclear bombs? In the past two years, this became a matter of mainstream political debate in the country. However, according to a report, a poll by gallup korea revealed about 73 percent of South Koreans believe that the country should develop its own nuclear weapons. Watch this video to find out more.

A new survey reveals that 73% of South Koreans are in favor of the country developing its own nuclear weapons, reflecting growing concerns over regional security and North Korea's nuclear threat. The shift in public opinion highlights the changing attitudes toward defense policies in South Korea.

Is South Korea pursuing plans to develop a nuclear bomb? Speculations are rife after Seoul’s top envoy to the US said his country was pressing the US to allow South Korea to build and operate facilities to reprocess spent nuclear fuel. Ambassador Cho Hyun-dong said, “We will regard that as a priority that we will push for after a new US government takes office.”

<h2>What caused alarm among analysts?</h2>

While Seoul may say its primary objective is to produce fuel for nuclear power plants and nuclear-powered submarines at home, analysts fear the same fuel can be used to develop a nuclear bomb by extracting fissile material.

South China Morning Post quoted Seong-chang, a senior researcher from the Sejong Institute, as saying that once South Korea gets access to the demanded facilities, it will be in a position to start production of nukes “in three to six months”.

“If South Korea has nuclear latency as Japan does, it would serve as a strong deterrence against North Korea, which resorts to nuclear threats so often,” said Chang while talking to reporters.

“But for nuclear warheads, South Korea has all the things needed to arm itself with its own nuclear weapons – delivery means, engineering and the [newly launched] strategic command,” he added.

Seoul has been facing an increased nuclear threat from North Korea but has only relied on the US nuclear umbrella for its defence.

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Defence Minister Kim Yong-ho in August had stressed that South Korea was dependent on USA’s extended deterrence but he added that all other options were also open.

“However, if it is deemed difficult to deal with the North Korean nuclear threats, all other options are open”, he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjbnvDu_JSJAxUW-qACHVY7CGMQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-high-stakes-gamble-can-missile-defense-systems-truly-intercept-nuclear-warheads-764569" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/the-high-stakes-gamble-can-missile-defense-systems-truly-intercept-nuclear-warheads-764569&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjbnvDu_JSJAxUW-qACHVY7CGMQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">The high-stakes gamble: Can missile defence systems truly intercept nuclear warheads?</a>

Back in 2020, Minister Kim made headlines when he said his nation can’t survive without nuclear firepower.

“We cannot survive without nuclear weapons. If we are nuclear-armed, we can neutralise our neighbours’ nuclear weapons through the ‘balance of fear’,” he had said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Is South Korea pursuing plans to develop a nuclear bomb? Speculations are rife after Seoul’s top envoy to the US said his country was pressing the US to allow South Korea to build and operate facilities to reprocess spent nuclear fuel.

Is South Korea pursuing plans to develop a nuclear bomb? Speculations are rife after Seoul’s top envoy to the US said his country was pressing the US to allow South Korea to build and operate facilities to reprocess spent nuclear fuel. Ambassador Cho Hyun-dong said, “We will regard that as a priority that we will push for after a new US government takes office.” What caused alarm among analysts? While Seoul may say its primary objective is to produce fuel for nuclear power plants and nuclear-powered submarines at home, analysts fear the same fuel can be used to develop a nuclear bomb by extracting fissile material. South China Morning Post quoted Seong-chang, a senior researcher from the Sejong Institute, as saying that once South Korea gets access to the demanded facilities, it will be in a position to start production of nukes “in three to six months”. “If South Korea has nuclear latency as Japan does, it would serve as a strong deterrence against North Korea, which resorts to nuclear threats so often,” said Chang while talking to reporters. “But for nuclear warheads, South Korea has all the things needed to arm itself with its own nuclear weapons – delivery means, engineering and the [newly launched] strategic command,” he added. Seoul has been facing an increased nuclear threat from North Korea but has only relied on the US nuclear umbrella for its defence. Also read: Ukraine's thrust into Russia up-ends assumptions on nuclear war Defence Minister Kim Yong-ho in August had stressed that South Korea was dependent on USA’s extended deterrence but he added that all other options were also open. “However, if it is deemed difficult to deal with the North Korean nuclear threats, all other options are open”, he said. Also read: The high-stakes gamble: Can missile defence systems truly intercept nuclear warheads? Back in 2020, Minister Kim made headlines when he said his nation can’t survive without nuclear firepower. “We cannot survive without nuclear weapons. If we are nuclear-armed, we can neutralise our neighbours’ nuclear weapons through the ‘balance of fear’,” he had said. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea to build nuclear bomb? Rumours rife as Seoul mulls reprocessing spent nuclear fuel

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol warned North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that any use of nuclear weapons against Seoul would lead to the end of his&nbsp;regime.&nbsp;

Yeol was speaking during an event marking the 76th Armed Forces Day, as North Korea has intensified its nuclear threats with the first public disclosure of its uranium enrichment facility last month.

He further underscored the strength of South Korea's alliance with the US, which currently has thousands of troops in the country.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-short-range-ballistic-missiles-for-second-time-in-a-week-759685">Also read:&nbsp;North Korea fires short-range ballistic missiles for second time in a week</a>

"Our military will immediately retaliate against North Korea's provocations based on its robust combat capabilities and solid readiness posture," Yoon said during a commemorative ceremony at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, just south of the capital.

"If North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons, it will face the resolute and overwhelming response of our military and the South Korea-US alliance. That day will be the end of the North Korean regime," he added.

The South Korean president also noted North Korea's move to send trash balloons and GPS jamming attacks on its territory.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;UN Nuclear Chief On North Korea's Nuclear Program

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"After committing despicable types of provocations like sending trash balloons and GPS jamming attacks, they have now gone so far as to claim a 'two hostile states' theory, even denying the possibility of reunification," he said.

South Korea's intelligence agency reported that North Korea could produce a significant number of nuclear weapons and may conduct another nuclear test after the US elections.&nbsp;

Yeol urged the Kim's regime to abandon "delusions" that nuclear weapons guarantee its security, vowing to build a strong military and strengthen the security posture based on the strong alliance with the US, as well as trilateral cooperation involving Japan.

“False peace, based on the enemy's goodwill, is nothing but a mirage," he said. "History has proven that the only way to safeguard peace is by strengthening our power so the enemy cannot dare challenge us."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol warned North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that any use of nuclear weapons against Seoul would lead to the end of his regime. Yeol was speaking during an event marking the 76th Armed Forces Day, as North Korea has intensified its nuclear threats with the first public disclosure of its uranium enrichment facility last month.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol warned North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that any use of nuclear weapons against Seoul would lead to the end of his regime. Yeol was speaking during an event marking the 76th Armed Forces Day, as North Korea has intensified its nuclear threats with the first public disclosure of its uranium enrichment facility last month. He further underscored the strength of South Korea's alliance with the US, which currently has thousands of troops in the country. Also read: North Korea fires short-range ballistic missiles for second time in a week "Our military will immediately retaliate against North Korea's provocations based on its robust combat capabilities and solid readiness posture," Yoon said during a commemorative ceremony at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, just south of the capital. "If North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons, it will face the resolute and overwhelming response of our military and the South Korea-US alliance. That day will be the end of the North Korean regime," he added. The South Korean president also noted North Korea's move to send trash balloons and GPS jamming attacks on its territory. Watch | UN Nuclear Chief On North Korea's Nuclear Program × "After committing despicable types of provocations like sending trash balloons and GPS jamming attacks, they have now gone so far as to claim a 'two hostile states' theory, even denying the possibility of reunification," he said. South Korea's intelligence agency reported that North Korea could produce a significant number of nuclear weapons and may conduct another nuclear test after the US elections. Yeol urged the Kim's regime to abandon "delusions" that nuclear weapons guarantee its security, vowing to build a strong military and strengthen the security posture based on the strong alliance with the US, as well as trilateral cooperation involving Japan. “False peace, based on the enemy's goodwill, is nothing but a mirage," he said. "History has proven that the only way to safeguard peace is by strengthening our power so the enemy cannot dare challenge us." (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea  warns North of ‘end of Kim’s regime’ if it uses nuclear weapons

Imagine a AI system making a split second decision to launch a nuclear strike without human intervension. Watch our report to know more.

Seoul summit declares human oversight for Nuclear arms

As per a report, India has successfully developed and certified a new explosive. The high-performance explosive is one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosives in the world and '2.01 times more lethal than standard TNT'. Molly Gambhir gets you the complete story.

Gravitas: India develops new explosive '2.01 times more lethal than standard TNT'

Iran's leadership is conducting a "strategic debate" over whether the time has come for it to start making nuclear weapons, The New York Times reported on Thursday. Watch in for more details!

Iran's leaders mulling nuclear weapons: NYT Report

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia was thinking about possible changes to its doctrine on the use of nuclear weapons. Watch in for more details!

Putin says Russia is considering changing its nuclear doctrine

India's nuclear arsenal is now bigger than Pakistan's, with a Swedish think tank claiming that New Delhi had expanded its stockpile to 172 warheads by January 2024. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said Pakistan's nuclear warheads were 170 in the same month. The report added both South Asian nations continued to expand their arsenal and nuclear delivery systems throughout the last year.

<h2>India's focus now on China</h2>

The SIPRI report also added that China was far ahead of India in the nuclear race, with its stockpile standing at 500 warheads in January 2024, up from 410 in January last year.

It added Beijing is continuously expanding its arsenal at the fastest rate in the world. It reported for the first time that China even had some warheads on high operational alert.

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The report said while Pakistan remained the top focus of India's nuclear deterrence, the focus is now shifting to the northern neighbour. New Delhi now seems more eager to develop longer-range weapons, including those capable of reaching targets throughout China.

<h2>All states expanding their arsenal</h2>

Hans Kristensen of SIPRI was quoted by news agency PTI as saying that nearly all nuclear states are expanding their stockpile.

"But in nearly all the nuclear-armed states there are either plans or a significant push to increase nuclear forces," he said.

It said all nuclear states—the US, Russia, the UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel—continued to modernise and expand their nuclear-armed or nuclear-capable weapon systems in 2023. The report said the global stockpile of nuclear warheads was 12,121 in January 2024, of which 9,585 were in military stockpiles for potential use.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjeqLn10OSGAxX9j68BHZi6O7UQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mh370-mystery-signal-from-underground-nuclear-test-sensors-could-hold-a-clue-732734" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/mh370-mystery-signal-from-underground-nuclear-test-sensors-could-hold-a-clue-732734&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjeqLn10OSGAxX9j68BHZi6O7UQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">MH370 mystery: Signal from underground nuclear test sensors could hold a clue</a>

The report added Russia and the US possessed almost 90 per cent of the total global nuclear inventory.

"Russia is estimated to have deployed around 36 more warheads with operational forces than in January 2023," SIPRI said.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's nuclear arsenal is now bigger than Pakistan's, with a Swedish think tank claiming that New Delhi had expanded its stockpile to 172 warheads by January 2024.

India's nuclear arsenal is now bigger than Pakistan's, with a Swedish think tank claiming that New Delhi had expanded its stockpile to 172 warheads by January 2024. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said Pakistan's nuclear warheads were 170 in the same month. The report added both South Asian nations continued to expand their arsenal and nuclear delivery systems throughout the last year. India's focus now on China The SIPRI report also added that China was far ahead of India in the nuclear race, with its stockpile standing at 500 warheads in January 2024, up from 410 in January last year. It added Beijing is continuously expanding its arsenal at the fastest rate in the world. It reported for the first time that China even had some warheads on high operational alert. Also read: China is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any country: Report The report said while Pakistan remained the top focus of India's nuclear deterrence, the focus is now shifting to the northern neighbour. New Delhi now seems more eager to develop longer-range weapons, including those capable of reaching targets throughout China. All states expanding their arsenal Hans Kristensen of SIPRI was quoted by news agency PTI as saying that nearly all nuclear states are expanding their stockpile. "But in nearly all the nuclear-armed states there are either plans or a significant push to increase nuclear forces," he said. It said all nuclear states—the US, Russia, the UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel—continued to modernise and expand their nuclear-armed or nuclear-capable weapon systems in 2023. The report said the global stockpile of nuclear warheads was 12,121 in January 2024, of which 9,585 were in military stockpiles for potential use. Also read: MH370 mystery: Signal from underground nuclear test sensors could hold a clue The report added Russia and the US possessed almost 90 per cent of the total global nuclear inventory. "Russia is estimated to have deployed around 36 more warheads with operational forces than in January 2023," SIPRI said. (With inputs from agencies)

India's nuclear arsenal now larger than Pakistan's, China far ahead: Report

NATO is in talks to deploy more nuclear weapons, taking them out of storage and placing them on standby, in the face of a growing threat from Russia and China, the head of the alliance Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday. Watch in for more details!

NATO in talks to put nuclear weapons on standby

China is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any country in the world and is also believed to have deployed a small number of warheads on missiles during peacetime&nbsp;for the first time, said a report, on Monday (Jun 17). Meanwhile, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg&nbsp;said that the alliance is in talks to deploy more nuclear weapons amid threats from China and Russia.&nbsp;

<h2>China ramps up nuclear arsenal</h2>

The estimated size of China’s nuclear arsenal increased from 410 warheads in January 2023 to 500 in January 2024, said the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in its annual report.&nbsp;

As of January 2024, around 2,100 of the deployed warheads were placed in a state of “high operational alert” on ballistic missiles and while nearly all of them belonged to Russia or the United States; China, for the first time is believed to have some warheads in this state too, according to the report.

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The group which tracks global security and arms control also found that China may be deploying a small number of warheads on missiles during peacetime and will have&nbsp;as many intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) as either Russia or the US by 2030.&nbsp;

However, the report noted, that Beijing’s stockpile of nuclear warheads is expected to remain much smaller compared to that of Moscow and Washington.&nbsp;

“China is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any other country,” said Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) and an associate senior fellow with SIPRI.&nbsp;

However, he noted that Beijing is not alone as “in nearly all of the nuclear-armed states there are either plans or a significant push to increase nuclear forces.”

The nine nuclear-armed states – the US, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel – continued to expand their nuclear arsenals last year, said SIPRI.&nbsp;

There are reportedly a total of 12,121 warheads in the global inventory out of which about 9,585 were in military stockpiles for potential use.&nbsp;

Around 3,904 of those warheads were deployed with missiles and aircraft, according to the new SIPRI report.&nbsp;

<h2>India focused on longer-range weapons</h2>

The report noted that India “slightly expanded” its nuclear arsenal in 2023 and continued to develop new types of nuclear delivery systems.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-will-hold-peace-talks-tomorrow-if-russia-leaves-ukrainian-territories-732414">Zelensky says will hold peace talks ‘tomorrow’ if Russia leaves Ukrainian territories</a>

SIPRI also found that India “appears to be placing growing emphasis on longer-range weapons, including those capable of reaching targets throughout China.”

As of January 2024, India reportedly has 172 nuclear warheads, up from 164 last year, but has deployed none.&nbsp;

<h2>NATO to put nuclear weapons on standby</h2>

In an interview with Britain’s Telegraph, on Monday, Stoltenberg said that the US-led alliance is in talks about taking more nuclear weapons out of storage and placing them on standby.&nbsp;

“I won’t go into operational details about how many nuclear warheads…but we need to consult on these issues. That’s exactly what we’re doing,” said Stoltenberg.&nbsp;

He added, “Transparency helps to communicate the direct message that we, of course, are a nuclear alliance.”&nbsp;

The NATO chief also noted that while the alliance’s aim is “a world without nuclear weapons,” as long as such weapons exist, it will remain a “nuclear alliance”.&nbsp;

He added that a “world where Russia, China and North Korea have nuclear weapons, and NATO does not, is a more dangerous world.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

China is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any country in the world and is also believed to have deployed a small number of warheads on missiles during peacetime for the first time, said a report, on Monday (Jun 17).

China is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any country in the world and is also believed to have deployed a small number of warheads on missiles during peacetime for the first time, said a report, on Monday (Jun 17). Meanwhile, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance is in talks to deploy more nuclear weapons amid threats from China and Russia. China ramps up nuclear arsenal The estimated size of China’s nuclear arsenal increased from 410 warheads in January 2023 to 500 in January 2024, said the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in its annual report. As of January 2024, around 2,100 of the deployed warheads were placed in a state of “high operational alert” on ballistic missiles and while nearly all of them belonged to Russia or the United States; China, for the first time is believed to have some warheads in this state too, according to the report. The group which tracks global security and arms control also found that China may be deploying a small number of warheads on missiles during peacetime and will have as many intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) as either Russia or the US by 2030. However, the report noted, that Beijing’s stockpile of nuclear warheads is expected to remain much smaller compared to that of Moscow and Washington. “China is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any other country,” said Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) and an associate senior fellow with SIPRI. However, he noted that Beijing is not alone as “in nearly all of the nuclear-armed states there are either plans or a significant push to increase nuclear forces.” The nine nuclear-armed states – the US, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel – continued to expand their nuclear arsenals last year, said SIPRI. There are reportedly a total of 12,121 warheads in the global inventory out of which about 9,585 were in military stockpiles for potential use. Around 3,904 of those warheads were deployed with missiles and aircraft, according to the new SIPRI report. India focused on longer-range weapons The report noted that India “slightly expanded” its nuclear arsenal in 2023 and continued to develop new types of nuclear delivery systems. Also Read | Zelensky says will hold peace talks ‘tomorrow’ if Russia leaves Ukrainian territories SIPRI also found that India “appears to be placing growing emphasis on longer-range weapons, including those capable of reaching targets throughout China.” As of January 2024, India reportedly has 172 nuclear warheads, up from 164 last year, but has deployed none. NATO to put nuclear weapons on standby In an interview with Britain’s Telegraph, on Monday, Stoltenberg said that the US-led alliance is in talks about taking more nuclear weapons out of storage and placing them on standby. “I won’t go into operational details about how many nuclear warheads…but we need to consult on these issues. That’s exactly what we’re doing,” said Stoltenberg. He added, “Transparency helps to communicate the direct message that we, of course, are a nuclear alliance.” The NATO chief also noted that while the alliance’s aim is “a world without nuclear weapons,” as long as such weapons exist, it will remain a “nuclear alliance”. He added that a “world where Russia, China and North Korea have nuclear weapons, and NATO does not, is a more dangerous world.” (With inputs from agencies)

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