Story perspectives

New START Treaty Expires; Future Deals Must Include China

2/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the New START treaty with Russia has expired.
He said any future arms-control agreement must include China.
Rubio said discussions with Iran must address its ballistic missiles and nuclear program.
Daryl G. Kimball of the Arms Control Association criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for lacking a coherent nuclear-negotiations strategy.
Polls indicate strong public support for maintaining New START limits and negotiating a new deal.

History

Historical Context

The New START treaty, signed on April 8, 2010, by Presidents Obama and Medvedev, limited U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals to 1,550 deployed warheads. Its expiration in February 2021 highlighted ongoing tensions reminiscent of the Cold War arms race. Secretary Rubio's call for including China in future negotiations reflects shifting global nuclear dynamics as emerging powers expand their arsenals, raising concerns over nuclear proliferation.

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Story summary

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the New START treaty with Russia has expired.
He said any future arms-control agreement must include China.
Rubio said discussions with Iran must address its ballistic missiles and nuclear program.
Daryl G. Kimball of the Arms Control Association criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for lacking a coherent nuclear-negotiations strategy.
Polls indicate strong public support for maintaining New START limits and negotiating a new deal.

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