U.S. open to extend arms control deal based on understandings with Russia: Pompeo
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FILE PHOTO: U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. /VCG Image

FILE PHOTO: U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. /VCG Image

The United States is open to the possibility of an extension of the New START nuclear arms control treaty beyond its expiration based on understandings reached in recent negotiations with Russia.

"We would welcome the opportunity to complete an agreement based on the understandings that were achieved over the last couple of weeks about what the range of possibilities look like for an extension of New START," U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday told a news conference.

The announcement comes in the wake of confusion over the future of the treaty on Tuesday after Russia denied claims by the U.S. that an "agreement in principle" had been reached between them to extend it.

The treaty is due to expire on February 5, 2021 having entered into force on February 5, 2011.

It is the last treaty between the countries imposing restrictions on the growth of the world's two largest nuclear arsenals after the U.S. pulled out of the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces treaty last year.

The terms of New START meant both nations could actively deploy a maximum of 1,550 active nuclear warheads.

The treaty also allows each nation to regularly monitor the other's weaponry to ensure the rules are being adhered to.

(With input from agencies)