North Korea
Reports: NKorea missile launchers came from China
Eric Talmadge, AP – June 13, 2012
Japan has evidence that a Chinese company exported to North Korea vehicles capable of transporting and launching missiles, in possible violation of U.N. sanctions, Japanese media reported Wednesday. China called the reports inaccurate, and denied violating any U.N. restriction.
Iran
Senate Draft Letter Presses Administration To Offer Few Concessions For Confidence-Building Deal With Iran
Ali Gharib, Think Progress – June 12, 2012
With negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program moving to Moscow next week, a draft letter to be circulated among Senators for signature calls on the Obama administration to not offer Iran major concessions without a comprehensive deal on its nuclear program. The draft letter, obtained by ThinkProgress, says that, should the Iranians not take certain steps demanded by the Senators, the U.S. should “reevaluate the utility of further talks.”
Iran plans nuclear-powered submarine: report
Zahra Hosseinian, Reuters – June 12, 2012
Iran said on Tuesday it planned to build its first nuclear-powered submarine, a news agency reported, an announcement that came days before talks with world powers and may add to Western concerns over its atomic activities… Tehran could use the submarine project to justify refining uranium to higher levels. However analysts say Iran at times exaggerates its nuclear and military advances to try to strengthen its bargaining position with world powers who want curbs on Tehran’s atomic program to ensure it is for peaceful ends only.
Defense Spending
Sen. Levin: Defense Dept. could cut budget now to avoid severe reductions next year
Walter Pincus, Washington Post – June 12, 2012
The chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee said Tuesday that the Defense Department could head off far deeper budget reductions by preemptively agreeing to cut $10 billion a year for the next decade.
Nonproliferation
Army Sees Greater Role in Anti-WMD Activities: Sources
Nuclear Threat Initiative – June 12, 2012
The U.S. Army is examining the possibility that as operations wind down in Afghanistan, the service will will take on a growing role in efforts to combat weapons of mass destruction, Inside Defense reported on Friday. Army personnel for instance could be involved in efforts to detect and contain potential unsecured nuclear weapons and materials in Pakistan and other parts of the globe. Such efforts would be in addition to the role already played by specialized units that are prepared for emergency deployment to hot spots, multiple unidentified officials said.
