Theresa May Wins Vote to Renew Britain’s Nuclear Program
Stephen Castle | New York Times
Prime Minister Theresa May, in her first major parliamentary appearance since taking office last week, won a vote on Monday to authorize and update Britain’s nuclear arsenal, a move intended to underscore the nation’s commitment to remaining a global power despite its recent decision to leave the European Union.
Turkey Coup Attempt Raises Fears Over Safety of U.S. Nuclear Stockpile
Julian Borger | Guardian
The attempted coup in Turkey on Friday and the subsequent closure of the Incirlik airbase in the south of the country have raised fresh questions about the wisdom of the US stationing the biggest stockpile of nuclear weapons in Europe at such a vulnerable site. Even before the abortive putsch, the potential terrorist threat to the base, 68 miles from the Syrian border, led to a significant upgrade in the security perimeter around the designated Nato area, where an estimated 50 B61 nuclear bombs are stored in 21 vaults. Friday’s events have increased concerns over whether any such security enhancements can mitigate the risks of holding on to such a dangerous arsenal in such a volatile location.
N. Korea Fires Off 3 Ballistic Missiles: JCS
Yonhap News
North Korea fired off three ballistic missiles Tuesday morning following South Korea's recent decision to deploy an advanced U.S. anti-missile system in the country, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. The latest launch is thought to be part of Pyongyang's response to the July 8 decision by Seoul and Washington to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system here by the end of 2017 to deal with the ever-growing nuclear and missile threats from the North.
Senate Dems Call for More Transparency on Iran Nuclear Inspections
Burgess Everett | Politico
Fifteen Senate Democrats are urging President Barack Obama to secure more transparency from the inspectors tasked with verifying Iran's compliance with last year's controversial nuclear deal, according to a letter obtained by POLITICO. Led by Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, the Democrats are asking Obama to use the federal government to push the International Atomic Energy Agency to publish details about Iran's nuclear program to ensure independent verification that they are following the terms of the deal, which relaxed sanctions on Iran in return for a drawdown of its nuclear arms program.
Iran Receives Missiles of S-300 Air Defense System
Tasnim News Agency
According to reports obtained by the Tasnim News Agency, Iran has received the first batch of missiles of the Russian air defense system. The projectiles indicate that Russia has agreed to sell the S300-PMU2 model to Iran. On April 17, Iran displayed part of the sophisticated missile system in a military parade in Tehran, held to mark the National Army Day. The gear unveiled in the ceremony included 2 radar systems of S-300, its carrier and command vehicles as well as the crane for lifting its missiles.
China to Build Nuclear Power Stations on Disputed Islands in South China Sea
Ian Johnston | Independent
China plans to build nuclear power stations in the South China Sea to establish “effective control” of disputed islands, officials have reportedly said. The China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) made the announcement just two days after the Hague-based tribunal concluded China had “no legal basis” for its claim to almost all of the South China Sea. The area is home to rich fishing grounds and oil and gas fields, while some £3.8 trillion in global trade passes through the area every year.