In the Nuclear Posture Review (NPR), released on February 2, 2018, US President Trump has delineated the country's stance on nuclear weapons: in general, the president decided to follow Obama's plan for modernizing the country's nuclear arsenal in three directions: new bomber aircraft, submarines and land-based missiles.
Commenting on the document, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif described the possible consequences it might bring to the world.
The US Nuclear Posture Review reflects greater reliance on nukes in violation of the #NPT, bringing humankind closer to annihilation. No wonder the Doomsday Clock is at its most dangerous since 1953. Trump’s obduracy in killing the #JCPOA stems from the same dangerous imprudence.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) 3 февраля 2018 г.
According to how the document depicts Iranian policy in the Middle East, the country views US influence in the region as a threat to its goal to become the dominant regional power. The NPR speculates that Iran continues to fund the largest missile program in the Middle East and could, in the future, threaten or deliver weapons, developing increasingly long-range ballistic missile capabilities, and pursuing its alleged "aggressive efforts" to undermine neighboring governments, casting doubt on its "long-term commitment to foregoing nuclear weapons capability."
READ MORE: Trump's Nuclear Posture Review: From US Nuke Capabilities to Nuclear Terrorism
Commenting on Washington's position, the minister described it as "ignorance of Iran and the region".
Trump again confirms his ignorance of Iran & region. Everyone knows where he stands; and it's certainly not with Iranians. His 'virtuous', ‘democratically- elected' clients in our region may cheer, but not those on receiving end of their tyranny & weapons, incl Yemeni children.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) 31 января 2018 г.
US nuclear forces are said to contribute to the "deterrence of nuclear and non-nuclear attack," "assurance of allies and partners," "achievement of US objectives if deterrence fails," and "capacity to hedge against an uncertain future." As Secretary of Defense James Mattis has observed, "a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent is there to ensure a war that can never be won, is never fought."
READ MORE: Moscow Disappointed by Content of New US Nuclear Doctrine
