Defense Secretary Robert Gates spoke to reporters about the just-released Nuclear Posture Review (NPR), a report mandated by Congress. He said potential threats around the world require the United States to maintain a first-strike option for nuclear weapons. He was joined by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Admiral Mike Mullen. Questions topics included the “first strike” option and what the report means for Iran and North Korea.
Following the briefing with senior officials, other Pentagon and State Department staff spoke to reporters and answered questions on the NPR. Questions topics included nuclear weapons testing, the Russians, and where weapons reductions will actually happen.