INF Treaty

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, signed in 1987 between the United States and the Soviet Union, aimed to eliminate all nuclear and conventional ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometers. This agreement was crucial in reducing tensions during the Cold War, leading to the destruction of thousands of missiles. It established a framework for verification and allowed on-site inspections, promoting transparency and trust between the two superpowers. The treaty officially expired in August 2019, amid rising concerns about missile proliferation and compliance issues.