Recent news and analysis on Nuclear Weapons & Arms Control

Nuclear weapons and arms control news covering proliferation, disarmament treaties, strategic stability, and nuclear powers' arsenals and policy.

• Iran nuclear weapons risk higher after US-Israeli strikes

  Western officials report that the risk of Iran covertly pursuing nuclear weapons is higher now than before US and Israeli military attacks began a year ago, based on new IAEA data. The IAEA has warned about proliferation dangers from Iran's large inventory of near-bomb-grade uranium, which is no longer subject to weekly inspections.

• North Korea unveils new nuclear fuel facility, Kim vows exponential buildup

  North Korea revealed a new centrifuge hall for enriching weapons-grade uranium, with Kim Jong Un announcing plans to expand nuclear forces at an exponential rate. Kim claimed the country's weapons-grade nuclear materials production capacity has more than doubled in five years.

• "Where Is Iran's Highly Enriched Uranium?"

  This commentary argues that Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile, stored deep underground, poses a major obstacle to any nuclear deal. It contends that the material is difficult to destroy or retrieve, and that diplomatic efforts to secure its turnover face significant challenges. The piece emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding the uranium's exact location and the risks of military action.

• Rubio says most world sees Israel as nuclear state

  Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Congress that most nations believe Israel has nuclear weapons, but declined to state the US official position. Pressed by Rep. Castro on Israel's nuclear red lines amid the joint US-Israel war against Iran, Rubio offered classified details instead.

• Kyle Balzer and Robert Peters: "Reintroduce nuclear weapons to the Pacific to reduce the chances of war with China - Breaking Defense"

  This commentary argues that the United States should reintroduce theater nuclear forces to South Korea and Japan to reassure allies and deter China and North Korea. It contends that current US nuclear posture lacks credible regional deterrents, and that forward-deployed weapons would prevent allies from pursuing their own nuclear programs.

• "Europe's Nuclear Options"

  This commentary argues that the erosion of arms-control regimes and US-led security frameworks is heightening nuclear risks, particularly for Europe. It contends that Europe must bolster conventional defenses, maintain US engagement, and uphold restraint to prevent proliferation from replacing deterrence.

• "Analysis: Reimagining deterrence, 28 years after Chagai"

  This commentary argues that Pakistan's nuclear deterrence posture must adapt to modern warfare, citing lessons from recent conflicts including the May 2025 India-Pakistan clash. It contends that precision weapons and emerging technologies have compressed decision timelines, blurring conventional-nuclear lines and requiring a reconceptualization of strategic stability in South Asia.