We were muted in 2001 because it took us a while to figure out what had happened and where to strike. Even now, we are not 100% certain we responded to the right target.
As to the flights over Japan, you are right. But since then the nuclear portion of his arsenal has improved and become weaponized. Also, as I remember, these flights were over Japanese “territory” that is uninhabited. Nonetheless, your point is well taken. I just think things have progressed to the point that our nuclear response is ready and waiting on a light trigger pull.
I have no idea where the autocorrect or spellcheck came up with the word “muted” in my response above. Skip it and put in any appropriate word that you can think of. LOL