Pentagon officials state that the new U.S. nuclear strategy does not aim at the use of nuclear weapons at the theater level, but rather at deterring other states.

The Pentagon's Undersecretary for Policy, Elbridge Colby, stated that the review of the United States' nuclear strategy is not aimed at emphasizing the use of tactical nuclear weapons, but rather at deterring any use by other parties by establishing a clear threshold. Colby emphasized that the main objective is to maintain stability and deterrence, not to undermine them.

He explained that the review aims to ensure that the use of military force, including nuclear weapons, will be rational and in line with U.S. interests. Colby mentioned that the current strategy does not aim to change regimes, but rather takes a defensive approach to prevent adversaries from achieving their objectives. The official added that he does not expect radical changes, but rather an adaptation of the nuclear strategy to the current strategic context.