Iran Update: Number 146

  • IAEA continues its plea for more information
  • Dialogue remains at standstill but resumption of talks possible in late autumn
  • United States continues to lead international sanctions drive
  • Iran suffers cybe

Prime Minister confirms Trident decision delayed “until around 2016”

Prime Minister David Cameron confirmed before Parliament today that based upon a completed “value for money review” of the United Kingdom's deterrent, “the decision to start construction of the new submarines need not now be taken until around 2016.”

The Prime Minister also highlighted other changes in the nuclear posture:

Prominent Europeans call for change in NATO nuclear policies

Prominent European statespeople who form a sub-group of the European Leaders Network have released a letter calling on NATO to make “disarmament a core element of its approach to providing security.” In their letter, they encourage the Alliance to “review its entire nuclear policy and posture with a view to facilitating progress in arms control, in a manner consistent with effective burden sharing and alliance cohesion, effective deterrence and a demonstrable commitment to collective defence.”

Two missed opportunities for GTZ during the presidential debate

The first US Presidential debate between senators John McCain and Barack Obama was supposed to be the big chance for the candidates to showcase their foreign policy visions and differences. Unfortunately, both candidates missed two opportunities within the debate to mention their vision for a world without nuclear weapons. It's actually one issue that both of them seem to agree on, at least in a general way.