Iran
Big powers seek progress on day two of Iran talks
Yeganeh Torbati and Thomas Grove, Reuters – June 19, 2012
Russia said it expected a “reasonable outcome” on Tuesday from talks between world powers and Iran on Tehran’s nuclear programme, after a first day of “intense and tough” talks failed to make headway towards ending a decade-long dispute.
Iran seeks ‘sanctions relief’ at nuclear talks
George Jahn, AP – June 19, 2012
Iran became more adamant Monday that the world must ease the sanctions choking off its oil sales before it will curb activities that could be used to make nuclear arms, diplomats said. But with six world powers insisting that Tehran take the first conciliatory step, fears grew that talks in Moscow would fail.
North Korea
Obama renews sanctions against North Korea
Kim Young-jin, The Korea Times – June 19, 2012
U.S. President Barack Obama has extended sanctions against North Korea as it poses an “unusual and extraordinary threat,” the White House said Monday. The move came as world leaders attending the G20 summit in Mexico intensified pressure on Pyongyang to curb its nuclear and missile programs following a provocative long-range rocket launch in April.
South Korea
U.S., South Korea to Stage their Biggest Joint Artillery Drill Yet
Global Security Newswire – June 18, 2012
The drill set for Friday in Pocheon, not far from North Korean territory, is to encompass in excess of 2,000 military personnel, F-15K jets, tanks, and helicopters, according to South Korean Defense Ministry officials.
Missile Defense
Obama, Putin to Discuss Missile Defense
Global Security Newswire – June 18, 2012
Russia has demanded legally enforceable guarantees that its long-range nuclear missiles would not be targeted by land- and sea-based missile interceptors intended for deployment in Europe. The United States has rejected such calls, maintaining that the missile shield it is developing with NATO is focused on defending against an evolving Iranian ballistic missile threat.
Defense Spending
U.K’s 6.5B Pound Nuke Sub Plans Include New Reactors
Andrew Chuter, Defense News – June 18, 2012
Britain has taken its nuclear sub-related spending up to nearly 6.5 billion pounds ($10.2 billion) in the space of a month following confirmation June 18 that the Ministry of Defence is to build new submarine nuclear reactors and upgrade the Rolls-Royce-owned factory where they are produced.
