Minuteman III missiles form the U.S. ground-based element of the nuclear deterrent triad (the other two elements being nuclear ballistic submarines and Air Force bomber aircraft).

Announcing the cancellation of a planned Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile test on Wednesday, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby was clear. The move, he said, served to “demonstrate that we have no intention in engaging in any actions that can be misunderstood or misconstrued.”