US puts Russia at the center of new nuclear doctrine

Pentagon

"Russia's potential increases"

US Defense Secretary James Mattis explained why the country focused on Russia in the new doctrine. "This is a response to the development of Russia's capabilities, a response to the nature of their strategy and doctrine," - Secretary Mattis stated. According to him, "Russia has definitely returned to the competition of great powers."

Noting the role of small-sized nuclear munitions, the document asserts that this is something that will be done in response to similar steps by other countries, including Russia.

"Today Russia is modernizing its nuclear weapons as well as other strategic systems. Even more unsettling is the application of Russia's military strategy, which envisages achieving success through the expansion of nuclear capabilities," the document emphasizes.

The US accused Moscow of "threatening to be the first to use a limited nuclear strike, mistakenly expecting that a forced nuclear threat or a limited first strike could paralyze the United States and NATO, thereby ending the conflict on Russia's terms," ​​the doctrine states.

"Instead, Russia needs to understand that the first use of nuclear weapons, no matter how limited, will not achieve its goals, but will fundamentally change the nature of the conflict and cause Moscow incalculable and unbearable costs. The US strategy will create conditions for Russia to realize that any use of nuclear weapons, even limited, is unacceptable," the document says.

China

The US is less concerned about China: "China is also significantly upgrading and expanding its nuclear forces. Like Russia, China is producing entirely new nuclear weapons designed to achieve specific national security goals, as well as promoting the modernization of conventional weapons, thus posing a challenge to the traditional US military superiority in the Western Pacific region," - the new doctrine stated.

DPRK

"North Korea has stepped up its provocative efforts to acquire nuclear weapons and missile capabilities, thus also embodying a concrete threat of using nuclear weapons against the United States and its allies in the region. North Korean politicians insist that they will not give up nuclear weapons, and in just a few months there will be a possibility for North Korea to strike the United States with nuclear missiles," - the doctrine predicts.

"The United States affirms that North Korea's illegal nuclear program must end, once and for all, in a manner that can be verified," - the doctrine states.

Iran

Iran and its nuclear program continue to be a cause for concern for the United States.

"Iran continues to invest in the largest missile program in the Middle East, and in the future could threaten with nuclear weapons. Iran is also developing other non-nuclear military capabilities, including cruise missile systems and cyber warfare capabilities for offensive operations. Iran may also continue to invest in chemical and biological weapons," the document said.

It is noted that there are many limitations within the framework of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran's nuclear program, which will expire in 2031.

"Iran is reserving the technological capabilities necessary to develop nuclear weapons within one year of the decision. Iran's development of a large long-range ballistic missile goes hand in hand with its aggressive strategy and actions aimed at destabilizing neighboring countries, calling into question its long-term commitment to abandon the development of nuclear weapons," the doctrine states.

"Iran views US influence in the Middle East as its main threat. Iran's goal is to consolidate its position as a leading force in the region. Iran intends to increase its influence with neighboring countries and counter US influence. This goal directly threatens US allies and partners," the new doctrine states.