How did missiles in Cuba prevent mutual assured destruction?

Missiles in Cuba heightened tensions during the Cold War, leading to a standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union. The presence of Soviet missiles in Cuba threatened the U.S. directly, prompting a response that included a naval blockade and diplomatic negotiations. This crisis ultimately led to the establishment of communication channels and agreements, such as the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which aimed to prevent escalation and maintain a balance of power, thereby reinforcing the principle of mutual assured destruction by making both sides more cautious in their nuclear strategies.