Nuclear Weapons

Artificial intelligences opt for nuclear weapons surprisingly often Galerie Bilderwelt/Getty Images Advanced AI models appear willing to deploy nuclear weapons without the same reservations humans have when put into simulated geopolitical crises. Kenneth Payne at King’s College London set three leading large language models – GPT-5.2, Claude Sonnet 4 and…

For more than 70 years, the United States has practiced what it calls extended deterrence, which includes the so-called “nuclear umbrella” for its NATO allies in Europe. Countries under the umbrella agree not to develop their own nuclear weapons with the understanding that the U.S. could use its nuclear weapons…

US officials reportedly believe China’s nuclear expansion is narrowing the gap with the United States and Russia, potentially leading to advanced capabilities not currently possessed by either power. A member of the People's Liberation Army stands as the strategic strike group displays DF-5C nuclear missiles during a military parade to…

Image Credits:U.S. Department of Justice 9:38 AM PST · February 20, 2026 A U.S. federal court has sentenced a Ukrainian man to five years in prison for his part in a long-running identity theft operation that helped overseas North Korean workers gain fraudulent employment at dozens of U.S. companies. U.S.…

After Geneva Talks, US Says It Will Deter Iran From Acquiring Nuclear Weapons 'One Way Or Another' Last Updated: February 18, 2026, 17:28 IST US vows to block Iran from nuclear arms. Geneva talks set principles, but US military buildup and Iran's Hormuz drills raise tensions. US Energy Secretary Chris…

Democracy Dies in Darkness Foreign Policy Remarks by a top administration official appeared to be aimed at dispelling skepticism of its assertions, as President Donald Trump vows to restart U.S. tests. February 17, 2026 at 4:44 p.m. EST Yesterday at 4:44 p.m. EST President Donald Trump greets Chinese President Xi…

Democracy Dies in Darkness Foreign Policy Remarks by a top administration official appeared to be aimed at dispelling skepticism of its assertions, as President Donald Trump vows to restart U.S. tests. February 17, 2026 at 4:44 p.m. EST Yesterday at 4:44 p.m. EST President Donald Trump greets Chinese President Xi…

Satellite images from southwest China’s Sichuan Province reveal rapid expansion of the country’s nuclear weapons infrastructure, reflecting Beijing’s efforts to strengthen its strategic position amid rising tensions with the United States and other global powers, The NYT reported. Satellite imagery from southwest China’s Sichuan Province shows a rapid expansion of…

European leaders, worried about threats from a nuclear-armed Russia and doubts about the future of US security commitments, are increasingly debating whether to bolster nuclear arsenals on the continent. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told the Munich Security Conference (MSC) that he had "held confidential talks with the French president about…

By RFE/RL staff - Feb 11, 2026, 9:00 AM CST Iran signaled readiness for nuclear verification while denying any intent to build weapons. The U.S. increased naval deployments and imposed new oil sanctions after inconclusive talks in Oman. Regional tensions intensified as domestic protests and Israeli concerns complicated diplomacy. Iranian…