UN talks to review the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty fail
The international arena witnessed another disappointment after talks at the United Nations failed to reaffirm the goals of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and disarmament, following four weeks of intensive negotiations held amid low expectations from the outset. The head of the talks, Do Hong Viet, president of the conference from Vietnam, announced the lack of consensus, stating, “Despite our best efforts, I realized that the conference is not in a position to reach an agreement on its substantive work,” adding that he did not intend to submit the document for adoption.
The roots and importance of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
This treaty is a cornerstone of global arms control. Opened for signature in 1968 and entering into force in 1970, it has historically aimed to achieve three main pillars: preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, promoting cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and progressing towards the goal of complete nuclear disarmament. Review conferences are held every five years to assess the treaty's implementation. However, the current failure is not unprecedented; previous reviews in 2015 and 2022 also failed, raising serious questions about the future of this international agreement. Despite the absence of a review agreement for the third consecutive time, experts maintain that the treaty remains legally in force, but with diminishing legitimacy and a gradually weakening impact.
The repercussions of failure on regional and international security
This diplomatic failure has serious repercussions on multiple levels. Internationally, it reinforces fears of a renewed arms race among major powers, especially given current geopolitical tensions. In this context, analyst Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group noted that the draft text has become “less relevant to the realities of current conflicts and the risk of nuclear proliferation.” Regionally, concerns are mounting regarding sensitive issues such as North Korea and Iran. The final version of the text merely states that Tehran must “never” develop nuclear weapons, omitting any reference to Iran’s “non-compliance” with its obligations, which was present in the initial draft. Furthermore, there is no expression of concern regarding North Korea’s nuclear program or any call for the “denuclearization” of the Korean Peninsula.
Lack of consensus among the major powers
One of the most significant factors complicating the situation is the absence of a direct call for the United States and Russia to begin negotiations on a treaty to replace the New START Treaty, which limited the Russian and American arsenals and recently expired. The precise reasons for the failure of the review are still unknown, but the lack of political will is evident. In a stark commentary, Seth Sheldon of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) stated: “Most countries are working in good faith toward disarmament, but a small handful of nuclear-armed states, and some of their allies, are undermining the treaty, thwarting disarmament efforts, expanding their arsenals, and driving the world toward disaster.”.
Map of the world's nuclear arsenal today
To grasp the magnitude of the risks facing the world if these talks stall, one must consider the current figures. As of early 2025, the nine nuclear-armed states (Russia, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, China, India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea) collectively possessed approximately 12,241 nuclear warheads, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The United States and Russia alone account for roughly 90% of the world's total nuclear weapons. Adding to the concern is the fact that these two powers have implemented major programs to modernize their arsenals and enhance their destructive capabilities in recent years, making the need for effective international safeguards more urgent than ever.
