How the US use nuclear weapons as a deterrent?

The U.S. uses nuclear weapons as a deterrent by maintaining a credible and survivable nuclear arsenal that can respond to any nuclear attack, thus discouraging adversaries from launching such attacks. This strategy, known as "mutually assured destruction," relies on the threat of devastating retaliation to prevent conflicts from escalating into nuclear war. Additionally, U.S. nuclear policy emphasizes extended deterrence, assuring allies that they are protected under the U.S. nuclear umbrella, further stabilizing global security dynamics.