(MENAFN) In a recent interview, US President Donald Trump defended his position on resuming nuclear weapon tests, asserting that America’s nuclear arsenal is strong enough “to blow up the world 150 times” and that the nation should continue testing to maintain its strength. Trump was questioned about the necessity of reviving nuclear tests after a 30-year moratorium, which had been enforced by Congress.

He responded, stating, “Because you have to see how they work.”

Trump further explained, “I’m saying that we’re going to test nuclear weapons like other countries do. We’re the only country that doesn’t test, and I don’t want to be the only country that doesn’t test.”

The US last conducted a nuclear test in 1992, and any attempt to restart testing would require extensive preparation and significant financial investment, potentially costing hundreds of millions of dollars. According to a media outlet, the process could take years.

On Sunday, Energy Secretary Chris Wright clarified that Trump’s directive would not involve full nuclear detonations.

“These are what we call non-critical tests,” Wright told Fox News, emphasizing that the tests are part of a larger effort to modernize the country's nuclear capabilities.

He reassured the public, saying, “No worries about [a mushroom cloud]” when asked whether there would be atmospheric or underground explosions.

While Trump suggested that Russia and China might be secretly conducting nuclear tests, both nations’ last confirmed nuclear tests occurred many years ago—Russia’s in 1990 and China’s in 1996.

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