US can strike North Korea with nuclear weapons, - Austin
In the event of North Korean aggression, the United States can respond by using nuclear weapons.
The head of the Pentagon, Lloyd Austin, said this during a visit to the capital of South Korea, Seoul, Censor.NET reports with reference to RBC-Ukraine.
"The United States remains firmly committed to its extended deterrence commitments, which include the full range of defense capabilities, including total, nuclear, and missile defense," Lloyd said at a briefing after meeting with South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jung-seop.
Last year, nuclear-armed North Korea launched an unprecedented number of missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the US mainland, as part of exercises.
US and South Korean officials have also warned that Pyongyang may be preparing for its first nuclear test since 2017.
Against the background of such actions, some South Korean politicians have called for the return of US tactical nuclear weapons or the South Korean nuclear program. However, Seoul officials rejected this possibility.
