“Under New START [Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty] and in conformity with our NPT obligations, we are reducing our strategic nuclear weapon stockpile to the lowest levels in more than a half century, and we are prepared to negotiate further reductions, while protecting our security and that of our friends and allies around the world,” Obama stated.
Obama stressed that the United States reduced the size of its nuclear weapons arsenal during his presidency, and called on other countries to strengthen the NPT regime.
Obama also noted that the global nuclear stockpiles are at their lowest levels since the 1950s.
NPT is an international agreement signed in 1968 and effective since 1970, which ensures the prevention of the spread of nuclear weapons and technology.
The main concepts of the treaty, its so-called “pillars” consist of non-proliferation, disarmament and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. There are 189 states party to the treaty, including Iran.
New START stipulates limiting the number of deployed ballistic missiles and heavy bombers equipped for nuclear armaments to 700, the number of deployed nuclear warheads to 1,550 and deployed and non-deployed launchers to 800.
New Start obliges the two countries to meet the stipulated limits on strategic arms by February 5, 2018.
The treaty is valid until 2021 but may be extended for an additional period of up to five years.
