The Pentagon is formulating a new nuclear strategy that defines the potential use of short-range tactical nuclear weapons in the event of a regional war with China or Russia, according to an NBC News report. The strategy will update and define the nuclear-use options presented to the president during a crisis.
The Pentagon is developing a new nuclear strategy that explicitly defines scenarios for the use of short-range tactical nuclear weapons, NBC News reported Wednesday. The strategy is being formulated in the context of potential regional conflict with China or Russia and would update the range of nuclear options presented to the U.S. president during a crisis.
The report comes amid heightened great-power tensions and follows a series of U.S. nuclear posture signals. As The Zioneer has previously reported, the Kremlin issued a nuclear warning in July following expanded Ukrainian strikes, and the U.S. has discussed contingency plans to secure Iranian nuclear material. The Pentagon's new strategy appears to formalize lower-yield, shorter-range nuclear capabilities as part of the U.S. deterrent posture against peer adversaries.
No further details on the strategy's timeline or specific thresholds for use have been reported. The report is attributed to unnamed sources familiar with the planning.
2 developments
- DevelopingTrump administration conducts secret talks with Tehran on new nuclear deal
- StrongTrump expected to meet Pentagon, defense industry leaders Wednesday on post-Iran-war arms production
- DevelopingKremlin says Russia ready to use nuclear weapons if existence threatened
- StrongCNN: CENTCOM Preparing for Two-Week Heavy Bombing of Iranian Missile Sites
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