The United States, as part of its redesign of nuclear strategy, is considering reducing its nuclear arsenal to 1,500 warheads from the current 7,000, according to U.S. officials and arms control activists.
Officials also say that the Bush administration, which begins formal missile defense consultations next week with key countries, hopes the discussions with European allies can produce a statement of "understanding," if not of support for its plans, when NATO foreign ministers meet in June.
