The Foreign Affairs Interview The Coming Nuclear Hurricane
Jul 17, 2025
Pranay Vaddi, formerly overseeing nuclear policy at the National Security Council, discusses the urgent nuclear landscape today. He highlights the alarming expansion of China's arsenal and Russia's nuclear threats in Ukraine. Vaddi argues that the U.S. must revitalize its nuclear strategy, especially in the context of alliances that may falter amidst rising tensions. They also delve into Iran's nuclear ambitions and the proliferation risks that complicate global stability, urging a reassessment of deterrence tactics in this unpredictable era.
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Resurgence of Nuclear Threats
- Nuclear concerns have rapidly resurged after a period of dormancy and arms control has nearly collapsed.
- Major powers like China and Russia are expanding arsenals and using nuclear threats to achieve strategic goals.
Iran's Nuclear Dilemma Post-Strikes
- Israeli and US strikes against Iran's nuclear sites may accelerate Iran's covert bomb pursuit.
- Iran now faces a stark choice: capitulate or purposefully develop a secret nuclear weapons program.
End of Iran's Hedging Strategy
- Iran's hedging strategy is unlikely to continue; they'll likely have to fully commit to weaponization.
- Proliferators face pressures to develop nuclear weapons quickly to avoid future coercion or military action.
