For homeland missile defense, think Golden Zones, not a Golden Dome 

Ankit Panda | The Atlantic Council

While the second Trump administration’s instincts on Golden Dome correctly diagnose a more dangerous nuclear environment facing the country, a sized-up, almost-exquisite comprehensive defensive system is the wrong prescription… A better approach for the United States would be to ask whether its homeland missile defenses can better serve its central nuclear deterrence objectives while improving the odds that the country could prevail in a conventional or, if necessary, limited nuclear conflict.

Exclusive: What's inside the Iran deal Trump is close to signing

Barak Ravid | Axios

The agreement the U.S. and Iran are close to signing involves a 60-day ceasefire extension during which the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened, Iran would be able to freely sell oil, and negotiations would be held on curbing Iran's nuclear program, according to a U.S. official. The deal would avoid an escalation of the war and decrease the pressure on the global oil supply. However, it's unclear whether it will lead to a lasting peace agreement that also addresses President Trump's nuclear demands.

South Korea outlines nuclear-powered submarine plan

Mike Yeo | Breaking Defense

South Korea has unveiled an initial roadmap for the development of nuclear powered submarines, with plans to introduce the first such vessel in the mid-2030s, according to its defense minister… Meanwhile the US ally’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) published today what it called the “Basic Plan for the Development of Nuclear Submarines for the Republic of Korea” outlining the key aspects of the program. The program, which has been designated the “Jang Bogo N Project,” will be developed and constructed domestically using indigenous technologies, including nuclear reactors and the future boats’ energy conversion system.

Conference at UN to review nuclear nonproliferation treaty fails to reach agreement

Edith M. Lederer | Associated Press

A four-week United Nations conference reviewing the treaty to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons ended Friday without agreement as the United States and Iran sparred over Iran’s nuclear program. Vietnam’s U.N. Ambassador Do Hung Viet, who chaired the conference, announced that there was no consensus among the 191 parties to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty on even a watered-down final document.

US warns Japan of severe delays in Tomahawk deliveries due to Iran war

Demetri Sevastopulo | Financial Times

The US has warned Japan to expect serious delays in the delivery of 400 Tomahawk missiles as the Pentagon prioritises rebuilding weapons stockpiles that have been severely depleted during its military campaign against Iran. US defence secretary Pete Hegseth told Shinjiro Koizumi, his Japanese counterpart, about the delay in a call earlier this month, according to several people familiar with the discussions. The interruption is a big blow to Japan, which ordered Tomahawks for the first time in 2024 to enhance deterrence against China.

Why US Typhon deployment in Japan poses a threat to Chinese cities

Amber Wang | South China Morning Post

US deployment of the Typhon missile system to southern Japan could directly threaten China’s coastal cities and block crucial naval routes to the Pacific, a Chinese analyst has warned. The Typhon mid-range missile launcher was expected to be positioned in southwestern Japan next month for joint US-Japan military exercises, Kyodo News reported last week. Fu Qianshao, a Beijing-based military analyst, said the reported deployment site – Kanoya Airbase in Kagoshima prefecture – was alarming because of its proximity to mainland China.