'Global N-monitoring system transparent'

Executive Secy of Comprehensive N-Test-Ban Treaty Organization is confident about maintaining global security

- SV Krishna Chaitanya

ON October 5, two earthquakes struck Iran's Semnan province, sparking rumors of a nuclear test. This fueled uncertainty across West Asia, especially against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. These claims were promptly refuted by the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), based in Vienna, which runs an International Monitoring System (IMS) designed to detect even the smallest indication of a nuclear test.

In an interview with SV Krishna Chaitanya, Dr Robert Floyd, Executive Secretary of the CTBTO, shared insights into how scientific data was used to dispel these rumors. He also discussed the CTBTO's role in maintaining global security amid rising nuclear tensions, and the organization's efforts to engage with countries like India. Excerpts:

Recent reports in Iran sparked speculation about a possible N-test. The CTBTO quickly clarified. Can you walk us through what happened and how the International Monitoring System (IMS) helps in such a situation?

The CTBTO's International Monitoring System (IMS) is a global network of over 300 monitoring facilities, hosted by 89 countries. This network, currently more than 90% complete, uses seismic, infrasound, hydroacoustic, and radionuclide technologies to detect nuclear explosions anywhere in the world—above ground, under water, and underground.