In October, Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev held a pivotal summit in Reykjavik, Iceland, aiming to reduce nuclear tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. This meeting was a follow-up to earlier discussions and represented a culmination of efforts to address the arms race that had defined the Cold War for decades. The summit saw the two leaders discussing significant reductions in intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) deployed in Europe, which were a focal point of contention in NATO and Warsaw Pact dynamics. The atmosphere was one of cautious optimism, with both sides recognizing the potential for progress in arms control.Despite high hopes, the negotiations faced challenging issues, including the Star Wars Initiative, a proposed missile defense system by the United States, which Gorbachev opposed vehemently. The discussions alternated between moments of cooperation and disagreement, with both leaders expressing a genuine desire for a breakthrough. They explored radical proposals for deep cuts in nuclear arsenals, showcasing a remarkable willingness to reconsider traditional stances. While a formal agreement was not reached during the summit, the dialogue set a precedent for future arms control negotiations and highlighted the importance of sustained communication between the superpowers.The Reykjavik Summit became a symbolic event in the history of U.S.-Soviet relations, representing a significant step toward the eventual reduction of nuclear weapons. It laid the groundwork for subsequent treaties, such as the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) in 1987. The summit’s legacy is marked by its ambitious goals and its role in shifting the Cold War narrative toward diplomacy and cooperation.