UN Chief Warns NPT’s Influence Waning as Nuclear Arms Race Risk Hits Record High

The UN chief says the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty’s influence is waning as the risk of a nuclear arms race reaches a record high. Experts warn the treaty may struggle to curb new weapons programs.

The NPT is the world's most extensive arms‑control agreement. It has 191 signatories who agree that non‑nuclear states will not acquire nuclear weapons and nuclear states will pursue disarmament.

Experts and diplomats say the likelihood of a nuclear arms race has never been greater. The UN chief adds that the treaty’s influence is declining amid rising geopolitical tensions.

This weakening could reduce constraints on new nuclear programs and make future disarmament harder to achieve. Observers note that a forthcoming review conference may be a key test for strengthening the treaty’s verification and compliance mechanisms.

Watch for the next NPT review conference in 2026, where states may debate stricter measures to curb proliferation and renew disarmament commitments.