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October 29, 1962diplomaticdiplomacynational securityarms controlcold warverificationarms withdrawal

Khrushchev orders missile dismantling to begin as Washington watches for proof

After accepting the settlement, Soviet leaders move to dismantle the missile sites in Cuba. U.S. officials wait for clear evidence that the launchers and warheads are actually being withdrawn rather than merely paused. The day begins the difficult shift from crisis bargaining to verification.