Americans tend to think we're only threatened by an ICBM launched from someone's homeland.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Zero Warning

Each Party shall not convert and shall not use ICBM launchers and SLBM launchers for placement of missile defense interceptors therein.

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Mr. Hagel didn't specify when U.S. military and intelligence analysts believe Pyongyang will have an ICBM capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.

WSJ: U.S. to Boost Missile Defenses in Response to North Korea

"What is more, if any U.S. mobile ICBM is going to run into problems on budgetary grounds, it is the Midgetman single-warheaded missile, " Gaffney said.

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Yet the U.S. has long sought to move away from MIRVed ICBMs as part of START, because heavy MIRVing can make each ICBM a more tempting target.

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U.S. ICBM forces currently consist of the Minuteman III missile.

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Mr. Hagel did not say when the Pentagon believes North Korea will have an ICBM that can carry a nuclear warhead, but said the Pentagon would stay ahead of Pyongyang's military developments.

WSJ: U.S. to Boost Missile Defenses in Response to North Korea

In June 1992, President Bush and Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed a "framework agreement" (1) in Washington that provided for the complete elimination of all multiple-warheaded land-based intercontinental ballistic missile (MIRVed ICBM) systems.

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For instance, when the US reacted to North Korea's 2006 nuclear and ICBM tests by reinstating the six-party talks in the hopes of appeasing Pyongyang, Iran learned that by exhibiting an interest in engaging the US on its uranium enrichment program it could gain valuable time.

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