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Senators

Clarification of US Nuclear Posture Review

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The US has clarified its nuclear posture, reaffirming a pledge not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapons states in compliance with their nonproliferation obligations. However, states that are not in compliance with these obligations, such as North Korea and Iran, are not covered by this assurance. The US nuclear posture review emphasizes the role of nuclear weapons in deterring not only nuclear attacks but also conventional and chemical and biological attacks against the US and its allies and partners.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US has reiterated its pledge not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapons states in compliance with their nonproliferation obligations.
  • This pledge is backed by the most formidable military in the world and is committed to sustaining and strengthening conventional military power.
  • The US nuclear posture review makes clear that states that do not meet their non-proliferation obligations, such as North Korea and Iran, are not covered by this negative security assurance.
  • The US will retain a nuclear triad of ICBMs, SLBMs, and dual-capable heavy bombers under new START.
  • All US ICBMs should be deMIRVed to a single warhead each to reinforce strategic stability.
  • An ability to "upload" non-deployed nuclear weapons on delivery vehicles should be retained as a hedge against technical or geopolitical surprise.
  • The US nuclear posture review emphasizes the role of nuclear weapons in deterring not only nuclear attacks but also conventional and chemical and biological attacks against the US and its allies and partners.

Statistics:

  • The US has a long-standing pledge not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapons states in compliance with their nonproliferation obligations.
  • The US has sustained but strengthened its conventional military power.
  • The new START treaty negotiations will include appropriate limits on delivery vehicles and on nuclear warheads.
  • There are no specific figures mentioned in the transcript regarding the number of ICBMs, SLBMs, or dual-capable heavy bombers.

Sources:

  • "Hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee Subject: Nuclear Posture Review (NPR)" by Federal News Service, Inc. (2010)

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