IRAN
UN experts inspect Iran’s Arak nuclear plant
Mohammad Davari, AFP – December 8, 2013
Yesterday, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) officials began inspecting the Iranian heavy water reactor at Arak. The inspection is the first to take place since Iran and the P5+1 (Russia, China, France, the UK, the US + Germany) came to an interim agreement in Geneva last month. The Arak reactor is a major P5+1 concern due to its ability to produce plutonium, an element that can be used to develop a nuclear weapon.
Obama Says He Can Envision Nuclear Deal With Iran
Michael D. Shear, The New York Times – December 7, 2013
While speaking at a press conference on Saturday, President Obama said that he believes a final and comprehensive diplomatic agreement with Iran regarding the latter’s nuclear program could be reached. The deal would allow Iran to enrich nuclear material to a grade required for power production, but restrict any enrichment beyond that level. To reassure allies, stringent restrictions would be implemented to verify Iranian compliance.
Saudi ex-spy chief says Gulf states must join Iran talks
AFP – December 8, 2013
Former Saudi Arabian intelligence chief Prince Turki Al Faisal has called for the inclusion of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states in ongoing Iranian nuclear negotiations. Speaking at a press conference in Washington, D.C., Prince Turki Al Faisal said “Ongoing talks are incomplete and the presence of the GCC states on the (negotiating) table will benefit everyone.”
Cantor, Hoyer Looking at Iran Bill Together
Lauren Fox, U.S. News & World Report – December 6, 2013
Last Friday, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) handed off a draft bill to the No.2 House democrat Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) that outlined details regarding what Congress would like to see included in any future nuclear deal between the US and Iran. If the bill includes new sanctions against Iran, a move many House members have called for in recent weeks, it has the potential to complicate ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran.
DIRTY BOMBS
After Mexican Theft, Critics Question if IAEA Radiological Security Rules Are Enough
Douglas P. Guarino, Global Security Newswire – December 5, 2013
Last week, a truck carrying cobalt-60, a highly radioactive material that can be used to develop a radiological dirty bomb, was stolen in Mexico while en route to Tijuana. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has since called for stricter legal rules on the transport of radioactive materials. A number of nonproliferation advocates claim that this effort alone will not suffice to prevent future incidents involving dirty bombs.
NORTH KOREA
North Korea Confirms Purge of Kim Jong Un’s Uncle
Alistair Gale, Wall Street Journal – December 8, 2013
Yesterday, North Korean officials confirmed the purge of Jang Song Thaek from all official positions. Mr Thaek is the uncle of North Korea’s current leader Kim Jong Un. Among North Korean experts and commentators, Mr. Thaek was considered the second most powerful official within the North Korean regime.
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
U.S. Bomber Planes at $81 Billion Seen 47% More Than Plan
Tony Capaccio, Bloomberg – December 6, 2013
The U.S. Air Force currently plans to replace its aging fleet of nuclear-capable long-range bomber aircraft with a new long-range bomber designated LRS-B. Initial Air Force estimates list the total procurement costs for 100 LRS-Bs at $55 billion. New estimates from three defense analysts estimate that these costs may be nearer to $81 billion; a 47% increase over the initial Air Force estimate.
INDIA
India expands nuclear weapons site: US think tank
AFP – December 5, 2013
According to the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), India appears to be finishing work on a second gas centrifuge facility at its Rare Minerals Plant. This new facility could potentially be used to enrich uranium to a grade that would allow it to be used in the development of a nuclear weapon.
