US would use nuclear weapons only in 'extreme circumstances'

President Barack Obama unveiled a new nuclear policy on Tuesday declaring the United States would use atomic weapons only "in extreme circumstances" to defend national interests or allies.

President Barack Obama unveiled a new nuclear policy on Tuesday declaring the United States would use atomic weapons only "in extreme circumstances" to defend national interests or allies.

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"Indeed, the United States wishes to stress that it would only consider the use of nuclear weapons in extreme circumstances to defend the vital interests of the United States or its allies and partners," the Obama administration said a policy document.

The Nuclear Posture Review also described "nuclear terrorism" as an immediate and extreme threat, rather than states armed with atomic weapons.