Nuclear security

U.S. Promises ‘Effective and Overwhelming’ Response to Use of Nuclear Weapons

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis promised an “effective and overwhelming” response to any use of nuclear weapons against America or its allies, delivering a firm message to North Korea during his first overseas trip.

Mr. Mattis said during a meeting Friday with South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo that the U.S.’s defense commitment was “ironclad” in the face of Pyongyang’s “threatening rhetoric and behavior.”

“Any attack on the United States or on our allies will be defeated and any use of nuclear weapons will be met with a response that will be effective and overwhelming,” he said.