Can Nuclear Fuel be Delivered in Time to Power Advanced Nuclear Reactors?

Elmer Dyke | Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

This paper evaluates the emergence and potential unique applications for advanced nuclear reactors while discussing numerous headwinds facing the industry—especially related to reliable HALEU fuel supply, licensing, proven construction processes, and reliable economic performance—that must be addressed prior to widespread deployment. Until these complex issues are resolved and reactor performance is proven efficient, the advanced reactor market will struggle to accelerate. Overcoming these barriers and providing the best chance for success is likely to require governments to play a key role in stimulating the advanced reactor market.

Trump Is Considering a Plan to Strike Iran Before the Midterms

Nancy A. Youssef and Jonathan Lemire | The Atlantic

 After months of on-again, off-again fighting, the United States hasn’t struck Iran in several weeks. The stretch of relative tranquility is coinciding with the final phase of the midterm-election campaign, and the assumption has been that President Trump will want to keep it going through November 3 so as not to remind voters of an unpopular war that is dragging Republican candidates down nationwide. But that may not be what happens. The White House has asked the Pentagon to develop strike options against Iranian targets that could be exercised ahead of the midterms, according to two administration officials.

Trump’s pledge not to strike Iran before midterms fails to soothe oil markets

Steve Kopack | NBC News

The price of oil jumped early Thursday amid reports that President Donald Trump was weighing whether to resume large-scale U.S. military operations against Iran in the coming weeks. That sharp rise in oil prices slowed, however, after Trump wrote on Truth Social that the United States, “Will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the Midterm Elections.” … Following Trump’s post, oil prices remained higher on the day by more than 3%. In addition to the elevated Iran risk, oil prices Thursday reflected traders’ concerns about reports of Iranian proxy attacks in Saudi Arabia.

Macron observes test of new nuclear-capable missile without warhead

France 24 | October 8, 2026

France on Tuesday test-fired for the first time its new M51.3 nuclear-capable ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine, the defence ministry said. It was not carrying a warhead. The missile, a variant of France's M51 missile, was fired from the Le Vigilant submarine off Brittany and impacted "in the North Atlantic, hundreds of kilometres from any coastline", it said. President Emmanuel Macron witnessed the firing from a French warship, an official told AFP.

Senators question Golden Dome feasibility

Thomas Novelly | Axios

Top senators are questioning the effectiveness and cost of President Trump's Golden Dome missile defense effort. Trump's sprawling plan is still failing to win needed support from lawmakers — and it's in dire financial straits. Lawmakers and defense analysts said during a Sept. 29 Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing they're in the dark about Golden Dome's technology and capabilities. Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) said given various cost estimates it appeared that nationwide missile coverage was "not in the cards" and wondered "who is protected and who isn't?"

A New Trend in Nuclear Energy: Squeezing More Power Out of Old Plants

Brad Plumer and Rebecca F. Elliott | The New York Times

Building a nuclear power plant is a long, hard slog. So lately, many companies are eyeing a faster, cheaper solution: squeezing even more power out of old reactors that were built decades ago. This process, known as a “power uprate,” involves upgrading key components inside nuclear plants such as controls, turbines or pumps so that they can generate more electricity. These upgrades can cost billions and require approval by regulators, but they can often be completed in five years or less at a fraction of the cost of building a nuclear plant from scratch.