Published on: 2026-09-29
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
September 29, 2026 Peace and Security
The world is experiencing the most dangerous period in terms of nuclear threat since the end of the Cold War. This was stated on Tuesday by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who called on nuclear-armed states to return to dialogue and intensify efforts for nuclear disarmament.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly session on the occasion of the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons held last Saturday, Guterres warned that nuclear arsenals are expanding and being modernized, while the risks of errors and miscalculations are increasing amid technological progress.
“We are meeting at the most dangerous moment in terms of nuclear threat since the end of the Cold War,” he said.
“Warning signs”
According to the Secretary-General, 81 years after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, nuclear weapons continue to “cast a shadow over humanity.” “And this shadow is growing darker,” he said.
The UN Chief noted that nuclear arsenals are expanding and being modernized, and the “clanging of nuclear swords” is growing louder. At the same time, he added, the mechanisms created over decades to contain these threats are being dismantled exactly when they are especially needed. For example, earlier this year, the New START Treaty on strategic offensive arms expired.
“For the first time in more than half a century, there are no mandatory limits on strategic nuclear arsenals,” Guterres noted. According to him, this undermines the security not only of nuclear-armed states but of the entire international community.
The Secretary-General also recalled that the participants of the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons failed to reach consensus on a substantive final document. The UN Disarmament Commission, in turn, again concluded its three-year cycle without producing substantive recommendations.
“These are not just diplomatic disappointments – these are warning signals,” emphasized the UN chief. According to him, increasing risks and collapsing control mechanisms are leading the world to disaster.
Obligation of states
Guterres emphasized that nuclear disarmament is not a “favor,” but a legal obligation of states enshrined in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
“States possessing nuclear weapons must return to dialogue to prevent any use of nuclear weapons,” he stated.
According to him, it is necessary to preserve the reductions in global nuclear arsenals achieved over decades to prevent a new nuclear arms race.
“The United States and the Russian Federation must hold talks to establish a mechanism that will replace New START,” the Secretary-General said.
He also called on all states possessing nuclear weapons to reduce the role of nuclear weapons in their security policies and to take confidence-building measures that ensure transparency.
Nuclear Test Ban
Separately, the Secretary-General called for the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
Later this year, the NPT states parties will convene for the first review conference.
“I welcome this important milestone,” said Guterres.
He called on all states to participate constructively in all efforts that bring the international community closer to the common goal of the complete elimination of nuclear weapons.
“These death devices must never under any circumstances decide the fate of humanity,” the UN chief said. According to him, disagreements in the world cannot justify inaction.
“Let us choose a future free of nuclear weapons,” the Secretary-General concluded.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of information. It is an accurate report of what the source asserts and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.