Nuclear Proliferation and Arms Control Challenges

The US-Saudi nuclear deal allowing uranium enrichment faces backlash, reshaping Middle East power dynamics. New START's expiration leaves US-Russia nuclear competition unconstrained; Congress pushes risk reduction but executive branch prioritizes modernization. The White House reopens dialogue with a nuclear-armed North Korea that rejects denuclearization and has deepened ties with Russia and China. China refuses trilateral talks. Miscalculation risks rise as strategic arms control architecture erodes.