Trump says he 'had to' move nuclear submarines after 'threat'
:: August 1, 2025
:: Washington, D.C.
Security analysts called Trump's move a rhetorical escalation with Moscow, but not necessarily a military one, given that the United States already has nuclear-powered submarines that are deployed and capable of striking Russia.
Medvedev on Thursday said Trump should remember that Moscow possessed Soviet-era nuclear strike capabilities of last resort, after Trump had told Medvedev to "watch his words."
He did not specify what he meant by "nuclear submarines." Submarines may be nuclear-powered, or armed with nuclear missiles.
It is extremely rare for the U.S. military to discuss the deployment and location of U.S. submarines given their sensitive mission in nuclear deterrence. The U.S. Navy declined comment. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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