Why Iowa did not regain nuclear shells

Why were Iowa-class battleships not refitted with 16-inch nuclear shells during the Reagan buildup?

The shells were too large and politically problematic for the operational benefit they offered.

The answer emphasises the undesirable scale of a large nuclear artillery shell near friendly forces. Reintroducing the weapon would require renewed handling, security, and support arrangements aboard only four battleships. The cost-benefit case during the Reagan-era refits is therefore judged unfavourable. The absence of the shell reflects operational utility and programme cost rather than a lack of gun calibre.