The Pentagon announced that it postponed the test of Minuteman III ballistic missile launch amid tensions with Moscow after Russian President Vladimir Putin put nuclear forces on alert.
"In an effort to demonstrate that we have no intention in engaging in any actions that could be misunderstood or misconstrued, the Secretary of Defense has directed that our Minuteman III Intercontinental ballistic missile test launch scheduled for this week to be postponed," spokesman John Kirby said at a news conference.
The U.S. is canceling the planned test "to demonstrate we are a responsible nuclear power," said Kirby. "This is not a step backwards in our readiness, nor does it imply that we will necessarily cancel other routine activities to ensure a credible nuclear capability."
