At a recent session of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) conference, Arms Control Secretary Bonnie Jenkins outlined the United States’ position on the potential use of nuclear weapons. She stated that Washington would resort to such weapons only in extreme cases to safeguard vital interests. The remarks were reported by DEA News, highlighting a stance that emphasizes restraint and proportionality in the context of national and allied security.
Jenkins reiterated that the United States would not employ or threaten to employ nuclear arms against non-nuclear-weapon states that are parties to the NPT. The emphasis on non-use against these nations underscores a commitment to maintain strategic stability and avert unnecessary escalations within the treaty framework.
Additionally, Jill Hruby, who leads the National Nuclear Security Administration within the Department of Energy, clarified that the United States is not pursuing a broader nuclear arsenal as part of ongoing modernization efforts. This clarification underscores a focus on maintaining current capabilities while pursuing modernization within defined limits to ensure safety, reliability, and responsible stewardship of nuclear assets.
In related remarks before the First Committee of the Review Conference, Andrey Belousov, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN Office in Geneva, commented on Russia’s nuclear doctrine. He stated that possession of nuclear weapons remains the primary option in response to certain external threats but indicated a cautious approach given the evolving security environment. Belousov’s comments reflect ongoing dialogue about deterrence, alliance dynamics, and non-proliferation at the conference, signaling continued attention to mutual restraint and risk reduction among major powers.
Taken together, the statements illustrate a shared concern among major states to balance deterrence with arms control objectives. The United States emphasizes limiting nuclear use to critical situations that confirm vital interests and alliance security, while Russia reiterates the role of nuclear forces in signaling deterrence. The discussions at the NPT conference continue to shape how parties interpret obligations under the treaty, manage modernization programs, and pursue practical steps toward transparency, confidence-building measures, and reduced risk of miscalculation on a global scale.