It also raised concerns about attacks on nuclear infrastructure.
The Current State of Nuclear Arsenals
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), as of January 2025, the nine nuclear-armed states possessed 12,241 nuclear warheads . These nine states are:
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Russia
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United States
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France
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United Kingdom
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China
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India
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Pakistan
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Israel
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North Korea
About 90% of these warheads are in American and Russian hands. Some countries are modernising their arsenals. Others are even increasing their stockpiles. This is happening despite promises to disarm.
What Happens Now?
Experts say the treaty continues to exist, but its legitimacy has been diminished. The failure of three review conferences in a row (2015, 2022, 2026) shows deep divisions among member states. A major issue is that nuclear-armed states and their allies are seen as undermining the NPT. According to Seth Shelden of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), a small handful of nuclear-armed states are frustrating disarmament efforts, expanding arsenals, and pointing the world toward catastrophe.
However, the NPT remains the only legally binding treaty that commits nuclear-armed states to disarmament. It is not going away. But without regular review agreements, its power to pressure countries to reduce nuclear weapons becomes weaker.
Why This Matters for Everyone
Nuclear weapons are not just a political issue. They are a threat to every person on this planet. A single nuclear bomb can kill hundreds of thousands of people in seconds. The failure of these talks means that there is less hope for a world without nuclear weapons. The risk of a new arms race grows. Countries may start testing again. New nations may want to join the nuclear club. The clock is ticking. But we must not lose hope. Many countries are still working in good faith for disarmament. The majority want a safer world. The failure of one conference does not mean the end of the fight.
Exam-Focused Points
| Topic |
Key Details |
| Event |
UN nuclear non-proliferation talks failed on 22 May 2026 |
| Treaty reviewed |
Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) |
| Previous failed reviews |
2015 and 2022 – third failure in a row |
| Conference president |
Do Hung Viet (Vietnam)
Month: Current Affairs - May 23, 2026
Category: International Relations
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