IRAN
Nuclear Talks With Iran End Without Accord or Plans for Another Round
David Herszenhorn, The New York Times – April 6, 2013
Negotiations over Iran’s disputed nuclear program broke off Saturday with scant signs of progress, much less an agreement on tighter controls demanded by six world powers in exchange for some easing of sanctions that have a stranglehold on the Iranian economy.
John Kerry hints at Iran nuclear negotiations deadline after talks stall
Matt Williams, The Guardian – April 7, 2013
US secretary of state John Kerry said Sunday that the door remained open for a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear ambitions but that talks could not go on forever. A day after the latest round of negotiations ended without agreement, Kerry said the White House remained hopeful of a peaceful end to the standoff. But he added that negotiations were not an “interminable process”.
NORTH KOREA
South Korean official says he misspoke about nuke test
The Hindu Business Line – April 8, 2013
A top South Korean official said today he misspoke earlier in the day when he told lawmakers there is an “indication” that North Korea is preparing for a nuclear test. But that doesn’t change what Seoul has been saying for months: that Pyongyang has already prepared a tunnel for a nuclear blast and can use it whenever it wants.
North Korea suspends Kaesong operations and withdraws 50,000 staff
Tania Branigan, The Guardian – April 8, 2013
North Korea has said it will recall more than 50,000 workers from the industrial park it runs with the South and consider shutting it permanently, spelling an end to inter-Korean co-operation.
US delays Minuteman 3 missile test amid rising tensions with North Korea
Associated Press, The Washington Post – April 6, 2013
Amid mounting tensions with North Korea, the Pentagon has delayed an intercontinental ballistic missile test that had been planned for next week at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a senior defense official told The Associated Press on Saturday. The official said Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel decided to put off the long-planned Minuteman 3 test until sometime next month because of concerns the launch could be misinterpreted and exacerbate the Korean crisis. Hagel made the decision Friday, the official said.
Swiss offer to mediate in North Korea crisis
Emma Thomasson, Reuters – April 7, 2013
Switzerland has offered to mediate with North Korea as tension rises on the Korean peninsula following U.N. sanctions imposed in response to a North Korean nuclear weapon test in February.
MISSILE DEFENSE
Pentagon to Seek Less for Missile Defense in 2014 Budget
Tony Capaccio, Bloomberg News – April 8, 2013
The Pentagon will request $9.16 billion for missile defense programs for the 2014 fiscal year that begins Oct. 1, about $550 million less than this year’s $9.71 billion, according to internal budget figures obtained by Bloomberg News. The missile defense proposal scheduled to be released April 10 is part of a $526.6 billion defense budget President Barack Obama will propose, according to government officials familiar with the budget plan who asked not to be named discussing it in advance.
Russia Touts Possible Missile Deal with Brazil
Ria Novosti – April 8, 2013
Russia and Brazil will discuss the possibility of the joint development of an advanced surface-to-air missile system, Parana, at the LAAD 2013 defense exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, Russian state-owned defense firm Rosoboronexport said on Monday.
(Japanese) Missile interceptors to put to sea
Associated Press, Japan Times – April 7, 2013
Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera on Sunday ordered the Self-Defense Forces to prepare to intercept ballistic missiles from North Korea, several government sources said. “There is not a high possibility that the missile would target Japan, but we have determined we should prepare for any contingency,” a source said.
US Deploying Missile Defenders To Guam To Protect Against North Korea Attack
Donna Miles (AFPS), Eurasia Review – April 6, 2013
Missile defenders preparing for the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Air Defense System to Guam are ready for the mission, the Army general at their home station reported, noting his full confidence in the ability of U.S. air defense systems to protect against North Korean missiles.
