Pentagon official warns of risks from regional nuclear war

Elbridge Colby, Under Secretary of War for Policy, has warned that a regional conflict involving the local use of nuclear weapons poses a greater danger than a surprise mass attack on the United States. Speaking at the 2026 United States Strategic Command Deterrence Symposium, Colby noted that such a conflict could escalate rapidly if military moves are misread, leading to an uncontrollable spiral.

Colby emphasized that the United States must provide the president with credible and rational options to deter adversaries without triggering escalation. He identified the modernization of America’s nuclear deterrent as the “single most important initiative for the American military,” calling for a survivable, diversified nuclear triad and secure second-strike forces.

Regarding current policy, Colby stated the administration is focusing on executing modernization plans and reviewing nuclear employment guidance rather than conducting a new nuclear posture review. He also highlighted China’s expanding nuclear capabilities as an unprecedented strategic challenge.