What was the outcome of the SALT II negotiations?

The outcome of the SALT II negotiations was that the agreement was not ratified due to a geopolitical crisis, specifically the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. The SALT II (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks) agreement aimed to limit the number of nuclear weapons and was a significant step toward arms control between the United States and the Soviet Union. Although both sides initially agreed to the terms of the treaty, the political landscape shifted dramatically after the invasion, leading to heightened tensions during the Cold War.

As a result, President Carter decided not to press for Senate ratification of SALT II, and the treaty was ultimately never formally ratified. Despite the absence of ratification, both countries agreed to abide by the terms of the treaty for a time. This context underscores why the choice that indicates it was not ratified due to a geopolitical crisis is the correct answer, reflecting how international events can dramatically influence diplomatic agreements.