A top priority of U.S. defense officials is to protect Americans from nuclear attacks. In an attempt to accomplish this goal, President Trump issued an executive order calling for the creation of an “Iron Dome for America,” a reference to Israel's much-vaunted missile defense system.

Secretary of Defense Hegseth hinted his desire to begin plans for this missile defense system. Some members of Congress, such as Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) are also on board with this plan.

A missile defense system to protect America from nuclear weapons sounds like a good idea. It is not. A U.S. Iron Dome would be a waste of taxpayer money and would bring the world closer to nuclear Armageddon.

If anyone should take anything away from this piece, it is that missile defenses against nuclear weapons increase the chances of them being used. This seems counterintuitive. But U.S. senior officials and policymakers must understand how the other side would perceive such a move.

If the U.S. creates a missile defense system capable of shooting down incoming nuclear missiles, the Russians and Chinese would be compelled to make more nuclear weapons to counter this missile defense. Not only that, but the Russians and Chinese would see this missile defense as a possible way for the United States to launch nuclear weapons first without fear of retaliation.

The ability to retaliate makes deterrence work. Without it, a security........

© The Hill