US Attempts to Win More Support With Streamlined Bid to Extend Iran Arms Embargo
Michelle Nicols | Reuters
The United States streamlined its bid on Tuesday to get the U.N. Security Council to extend an arms embargo on Iran, a move that could win Washington more support in the 15-member body but is unlikely to overcome opposition by veto-powers Russia and China. The new text, seen by Reuters, is just four paragraphs and would extend a weapons ban on Iran “until the Security Council decides otherwise,” stating that is “essential to the maintenance of international peace and security.” Diplomats said that while the new simple draft text might win the United States some more votes, it was unclear if Washington could get the minimum nine votes needed, and they said it was unlikely to convince Russia and China to abstain.
Newly Obtained Trump-Kim Letters May Reveal More on Unlikely Relationship
William Gallo | Voice of America
For more than two years, U.S. President Donald Trump has touted his close relationship and frequent personal correspondence with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. A new book may reveal just how close the relationship really is. For his new book, entitled Rage, veteran political journalist Bob Woodward has obtained 25 personal letters exchanged between Trump and Kim, according to an official description of the book posted late Wednesday on Amazon. It is not clear how much content from the Trump-Kim letters will be published in Woodward’s book, which is set to be released September 15. But the description indicates at least some of the correspondence will be included.
Trump Calls Nuclear Disarmament With Russia World's Biggest Problem
TASS
US President Donald Trump named the situation surrounding the nuclear disarmament talks with Russia world’s biggest present-day problem. “We’re dealing with Russia right now on a nuclear arms pact, because, and they want to do it. They want to do it badly,” Trump said in an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt. “I don’t think they’ll wait. I think they want to do it. And it’s a great thing. This is the biggest problem in the world today.” A US Department of State spokesperson told TASS on April 9 that Washington was considering the possibility of extending New START. On August 16-18, Russia and the United States will hold another round of consultations on strategic stability in Vienna.
South Korea to Develop Iron Dome-like Interceptor System Against North Korean Long-Range Artillery
Yonhap News Agency
South Korea will begin developing its own interceptor system like Israel's Iron Dome in the next five years to defend the country's core infrastructure in the capital area against North Korea's long-range artillery threats, the defense ministry said Monday. Unveiling its defense blueprint for 2021-2025, the ministry also said it will officially begin procedures to acquire a light aircraft carrier next year and start the production of a homegrown fighter jet which is currently under development. “When we talk about South Korea's missile defense system, it usually refers to one targeting North Korea's Scud-type or stronger missiles, whereas this new interceptor system will focus on protecting the capital area against the North's long-range artillery such as its 240-mm or 300-mm multiple rocket launchers,” a ministry official said.
US Air Force Completes Final Captive-Carry Test of ARRW Hypersonic Missile
Garrett Reim | Flight Global
The US Air Force (USAF) completed its final captive-carry test of the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) under a Boeing B-52 Stratofortress’ wing on 8 August. The AGM-183A successfully transmitted telemetry and GPS data to a ground station at NAS Point Mugu Sea in Southern California during the test, the service says. The ARRW (pronounced “arrow”) is based on the Tactical Boost Glide weapon, a joint effort between the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the USAF. The USA is in an arms race against Russia and China to develop, test, produce and deploy operational hypersonic missiles. However, unlike Moscow’s and Beijing’s efforts to develop nuclear-tipped hypersonic weapons, Washington intends to install conventional warheads on its missiles or no warheads at all, instead using kinetic force to destroy targets.