Israel-Iran tensions flare under the shadow of 12,000 global nukes

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated into a full-blown military confrontation, with both countries exchanging strikes.

Amidst this conflict, it's worth noting that global nuclear stockpiles exceed 12,000 warheads. As per Stockholm International Peace Research Institute's (SIPRI) latest data, the United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea possess these nuclear arsenals, with the US and Russia holding the largest stockpiles.

Here's a breakdown of each country's stockpile:

Russia

Russia has an estimated 4,309 nuclear warheads in its military stockpile, with 1,718 deployed warheads. The total inventory, including retired warheads awaiting dismantlement, stands at around 5,459 warheads. Russia's nuclear modernization program is ongoing, with potential increases in its nuclear arsenal expected in the coming years.

United States

The United States has approximately 3,700 nuclear warheads in its military stockpile, with 1,770 deployed strategic warheads. The total inventory, including retired warheads, is around 5,177 warheads. The US is also undergoing nuclear modernization, with plans to update its nuclear arsenal.

China

China's nuclear arsenal is growing rapidly and has 24 deployed strategic warheads, with an estimated 600 nuclear warheads.

France

France possesses a military stockpile of 290 operational warheads, with 280 deployed strategic warheads. France's nuclear forces are centred around its sea-based deterrent, with a focus on maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has a military stockpile of 225 warheads, with 120 operationally available warheads deployed on four Vanguard-class submarines.

India

India is estimated to possess around 180 nuclear warheads, with a growing nuclear arsenal driven by its regional rivalry with Pakistan and China. India's nuclear doctrine emphasizes "credible minimum deterrence" and a "no first use" policy. They have a military stockpile of 180 warheads with all falling under the stored warheads category.

Pakistan

Pakistan has an estimated 170 nuclear warheads, with a growing nuclear arsenal driven by its regional rivalry with India.

Israel

Israel is estimated to possess around 90 nuclear warheads, with a policy of nuclear ambiguity. Israel's nuclear arsenal is believed to be centred around its Jericho family of nuclear-capable ballistic missiles.

North Korea

North Korea is estimated to have approximately 50 assembled nuclear warheads, with a rapidly advancing nuclear program.