Iran and Powers Start Implementing Nuclear Deal

Iran and six world powers began expert-level talks on Monday to work out nitty gritty details in implementing a landmark accord for Tehran to curb its disputed nuclear program in return for a limited easing of sanctions. The preliminary accord is seen as a first step towards resolving a decade-old standoff over suspicions Iran might be covertly pursuing a nuclear weapons "breakout" capability, a perception that has raised the risk of a wider Middle East war.

 

President Obama signaled Saturday that he was prepared to allow Iran to enrich uranium on its own soil, saying that a final deal could be structured to prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear bomb.

 

Recent commercial satellite imagery shows that North Korea’s Yongbyon nuclear center appears to be increasingly active. There are several signs of new and continued activity and progress in the construction of facilities.

 

Speaking at the Manama Dialouge international security conference, Hagel encouraged GCC members to create a military alliance and said he’d like to better integrate the US missile defense systems with those of the GCC to enhance collective capabilities.

 

An inspection team from the U.N.'s nuclear agency will visit Libya to assess the thousands of barrels of yellowcake uranium that reportedly are being stored in a former military facility amid a "precarious" security situation in the country.

 

China and France agreed to expand co-operation in nuclear energy to target new markets after a meeting between the nations' prime ministers yesterday. "We agreed to jointly exploit third-party markets for nuclear energy. China hopes the two countries can find … [new] space in the markets," Premier Li Keqiang told reporters.