Putin Says Russia is Beefing Up Its Nuclear Arsenal
The Moscow Times
President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday Russia would add more than 40 new intercontinental ballistic missiles to its nuclear arsenal this year and a defense official accused NATO of provoking a new arms race. Putin made his announcement a day after Russian officials denounced a U.S. plan to station tanks and heavy weapons in NATO states on Russia's border as the most aggressive U.S. act since the Cold War.
Sen. Corker: 'Breathtaking' How Far the U.S. Has Moved in Iran Talks
Martin Matishak | Hill
In a letter sent Monday, Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) warned President Obama he must be willing to walk away from the negotiating table. In his letter, Corker said he was “alarmed” by reports that the U.S. “may be considering allowing the deal to erode further.”
Inspecting Iran Anywhere, But Not Anytime
Mark Fitzpatrick | IISS
One of the most vexing issues remaining to be negotiated between Iran and the six major powers regards future inspector access to military sites. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei complicated the issue when he said that military bases will be off-limits to inspectors.
China Scuttles India's Bid to Enter NSG
Anirban Bhaumik | Deccan Herald
Beijing’s tacit opposition again thwarted New Delhi’s bid to seek membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), as it discussed a proposal for India’s admission into the bloc at its recent conclave in Argentina.
Japan Nuclear Fuel Again Faces Delay in Fuel Cycle Project
Japan Times
Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. looks certain to face a fresh delay in the completion of its spent fuel reprocessing plant in Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture, as regulators are unlikely to end their safety checks by the end of this month, as the company had expected.
Protecting Nuclear Sanity
Alexei Arbatov | Defense News
The threat of nuclear war between Russia and the West, long relegated to Cold War history, reappeared last year as the crisis in East-West relations escalated.