Arriving at an IAEA Broader Conclusion for Iran
Mark Hibbs
Would reaching a “broader conclusion” for Iran mean a safer end to its nuclear sanctions? In principle, a broader conclusion should provide greater confidence that all of Iran’s nuclear activities are entirely peaceful, but the legacy of mistrust and deception surrounding its nuclear program amplifies the potential hazards. As Iran moves closer to fulfilling its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), more dialogue on the components, utility, and risks of a broader conclusion will be essential in determining the best course of action for Iran.
Uri Won’t Lead India to Undertake Major Military Action
George Perkovich
Testifying before the United States Senate Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Strategic Forces on February 25 last year, Dr George Perkovich, arguably the world’s leading expert on nuclear politics in South Asia, warned that a Pakistan-inspired terrorist attack in India could provoke an Indian military retaliation and in turn provoke a Pakistani nuclear response.
Japan to Scrap Troubled ¥1 Trillion Monju Fast-Breeder Reactor
Reiji Yoshida | Japan Times
The government decided to cut its losses Wednesday on the ¥1 trillion Monju fast-breeder reactor, pulling the plug on the project after years of mishaps, cover-ups and waste. At an extraordinary meeting, the Cabinet decided to decommission the idle facility in Fukui Prefecture but reaffirmed a national commitment to obtaining a nuclear fuel cycle.
September 2016: Monitoring Activities at the Yongbyon Nuclear Site
David Albright, Sarah Burkhard, Allison Lach, and Samta Savla | Institute for Science and International Security
Commercial satellite imagery from July and August 2016 shows continued activity at the Yongbyon nuclear site, a major site for plutonium and weapon-grade uranium production for nuclear weapons. A recurring mystery is the operational status of the 5 megawatt-electric (MWe) reactor and the amount of plutonium produced there. Recent imagery suggests that its operation remains limited. In addition, a question is when the experimental light water reactor (LWR) will start.
Activity at N.K. Nuke Site May Indicate Preparations for Another Test
Yonhap News
Heightened activity at North Korea’s nuclear test site may indicate that the reclusive country is getting ready to conduct another underground detonation in the near future, military officials here said Wednesday. South Korea’s military said it will remain on high alert as the North might launch another long-range missile or conduct a sixth nuclear test or both next month to celebrate the 68th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Worker's Party of Korea on Oct. 10.
Planned ICBM Replacement To Move Forward Without Consensus On Cost
Aaron Mehta | Defense News
An unresolved discrepancy in cost estimates between the Air Force and the Office of the Secretary of Defense over the next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile replacement will not keep the program from moving forward, the secretary of the Air Force said Tuesday. Deborah Lee James told reporters at the Air Force Association conference that the delta between the cost estimates for the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) program is “not that high” and indicated she was not surprised by the difference in numbers, given how long it has been between the last ICBM program and its replacement.