The White House is planning meetings this month to discuss whether to declare the “sole purpose” of the U.S. nuclear arsenal is to deter or retaliate against a nuclear attack – a change in policy supported by President Biden and arms control advocates but opposed by key U.S. allies and GOP lawmakers, The Washington Post reports.
One U.S. official with knowledge of the matter said the agenda item for the White House meetings on nuclear policy this month is whether to make a “sole purpose” declaration, not a “no first use” pledge. A “sole purpose” declaration, depending on its wording, wouldn’t necessarily constrain U.S. strike options for nuclear weapons.
GOP lawmakers have vocally opposed either a “no first use” or “sole purpose” declaration.
A senior Biden administration official said in a statement that the White House would take the perspective of U.S. allies into account, while renewing American leadership in nonproliferation and addressing the existential threat of nuclear weapons.
“The U.S. will continue to maintain a safe, secure, and effective strategic deterrent while ensuring our extended deterrence commitments to allies and partners remain strong and credible,” the senior official said, reiterating the administration’s commitment to further consultations with allies.