Why did khrushchev's back down?

Nikita Khrushchev backed down during the Cuban Missile Crisis primarily due to the threat of nuclear confrontation with the United States. The U.S. had positioned its military forces at a high state of readiness, and President John F. Kennedy's firm stance, including a naval blockade, created immense pressure. Additionally, Khrushchev recognized that a military escalation could lead to catastrophic consequences for both the Soviet Union and the world. Ultimately, he sought to avoid a direct conflict and preserve the Soviet Union's strategic interests.