TOP NEWS Iran challenges Trump, announcing end of nuclear restrictions New York Times Does Russia really have hypersonic weapons that are ‘operational’? National Interest North Korea to resume nuclear and missile tests SOFREP United States ANALYSIS: The creation of a U.S. Space Force: It’s only the end of the beginning War on the RocksJohn Klein 1/2/20 The U.S. Space Force will need to develop a service ethos and distinct operational styles of warfare more suited for considering conflict within the space domain. Russia Does Russia really have hypersonic weapons that are ‘operational’? National Interest1/3/20 The Russian defense ministry claimed it has deployed the Avangard surface-to-surface hypersonic missile, possibly making Russia one of the first countries to field an operational guided missile capable of traveling faster than five times the speed of sound. Middle East Iran challenges Trump, announcing end of nuclear restrictions New York Times1/5/20 Iran declared on Sunday that JCPOA nuclear restrictions are over — a decade ahead of schedule. Iran’s top diplomat invited to Brussels Anadolu News Agency1/5/20 EU’s foreign policy chief tries to ease tensions between Iran, US after incidents in Iraq. Netanyahu, in apparent stumble, calls Israel ‘nuclear power’ Reuters1/5/20 In an apparent slip of the tongue on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Israel as a nuclear power before correcting himself with a bashful nod and an embarrassed smile. TIMELINE: U.S.-Iran relations from 1953 coup to 2020 commander killing Reuters1/3/20 A chronology of major events in relations between the Iran and the United States. East Asia North Korea to resume nuclear and missile tests SOFREP1/4/20 North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un announced that his country is renouncing the moratorium placed on its nuclear and long-range missile tests. The moratorium had been put into effect during the talks with the United States. Turkey concerned over North Korea’s nuclear move Anadolu News Agency1/3/20 Turkey on Friday expressed concern over North Korea’s statement on ending moratorium on nuclear missile tests. ANALYSIS: How Donald Trump and North Korea can strike a nuclear deal National InterestMichael O’Hanlon 1/5/20 Sanctions relief should occur if North Korea verifiably dismantles the entirety of its nuclear production infrastructure, permanently capping the North Korean arsenal at its current size, or less. Hypersonic Missiles ANALYSIS: Hypersonic missiles are a game changer New York TimesSteven Simon 1/2/20 No existing defenses, in the United States or elsewhere, can intercept a missile that can move so fast while maneuvering unpredictably.