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Ashton's Departure Could Complicate Iran Nuclear Talks

IN THIS ISSUE: Ashton's departure could complicate Iran talks, rapid construction of possible new launch complex in N. Korea, Chinese nuclear missile upgrade, increase in Pakistan defense and nuclear budgets, GOP, White House clash over nuclear security defense bill, nuclear missile corps probe.

Published on May 22, 2014

Ashton's Departure Could Complicate Iran Nuclear Talks

Tehran Times

As Iran and international negotiators work toward a July deadline to complete an accord with Tehran on its nuclear program, a practical issue may be on their minds: the looming changeover of the European Union’s foreign policy chief. Ultimately, it is Iran and Washington who will determine if a deal is done. 

Rapid Construction of Possible New Launch Complex in North Korea

Nick Hansen and Jack Liu | 38 North

New commercial satellite imagery from May 10, 2014, indicates that North Korea is conducting a number of important construction projects at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station.

Chinese Nuclear Missile Upgrade Near Dalian

Hans M. Kristensen | Federation of American Scientists

One of the last Chinese Second Artillery brigades with the old liquid-fuel DF-3A intermediate-range nuclear ballistic missile appears to have been upgraded to the newer DF-21 road-mobile, dual-capable, medium-range ballistic missile.

Increase in Pakistan Defense and Nuclear Budgets Likely

Usman Ansari | Defense News

Media reports here have outlined that Pakistan is set to increase funding for the armed forces and the national nuclear body, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, under the forthcoming 2014-FY2015 budget.

GOP, White House Clash over Nuclear Security Provisions in Defense Bill

Douglas P. Guarino | Global Security Newswire

As annual defense authorization legislation nears the House floor, the Obama administration and House Republicans continue to clash over key nuclear weapons and nonproliferation issues.

Key Findings in AP Nuclear Missile Corps Probe

Associated Press 

On Thursday, the Associated Press reported that security forces at a nuclear missile base in Montana failed a drill designed to test their ability to respond effectively to a simulated hostile takeover of a missile launch silo.

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