US to pressure Russia on nuclear weapons

The United States is warning the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty is under threat from Russian cruise missile activity and Washington is ready to pursue diplomatic, economic and military steps to encourage Moscow to return to compliance.

On Friday, the 30th anniversary of the treaty, the State Department said US officials were reviewing options for conventional, ground-launched intermediate-range missile systems that would enable the United States to defend itself and its allies if Russia fails to return to compliance.

"This step will not violate our INF Treaty obligations," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in the statement. "We are also prepared to cease such research and development activities if the Russian Federation returns to full and verifiable compliance with its INF Treaty obligations."