Top News: The nuclear doctrine: Army chief Gerasimov explains that Moscow reserves right to fire nukes if enemies use them against Russia RT Alternate paths to resuming negotiations with North Korea 38 North Rouhani says key issues in JCPOA have been resolved Tehran Times United States REPORT: Current Event Notification Report for June 24, 2021 U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Operations Center 6/24/2021 OPINION: Can a credible nuclear breakout time with Iran be restored? Carnegie Endowment for International PeaceAriel (Eli) Levite 6/24/2021 Several developments since the landmark nuclear agreement with Iran was signed in 2015 cast doubt about its ability to hold Iran back from approaching the nuclear threshold. Can the goals of the original deal still be attained? PODCAST: The Relevance of the Nuclear Posture Review Arms Control Wonk6/22/2021 Is the Nuclear Posture Review something worth doing, or a massive waste of time and political capital? East Asia ‘This is a window of opportunity.’ Ret. General Vincent K. Brooks on why things might be moving again with North Korea TimeCharlie Campbell 6/24/2021 Last month, U.S. President Joe Biden hosted his South Korean counterpart, Moon Jae-in, at the White House. The allies agreed on a raft of deals covering COVID-19 vaccine deployment and hi-tech investment, and emphasized “their shared commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.” Alternate paths to resuming negotiations with North Korea 38 NorthJoseph R. Detrani 6/23/2021 There are three important anniversaries with North Korea all taking place within a few months, which provide a fitting moment for reflection on the status and potential future for U.S.-DPRK relations. Indeed, an obvious first step would be to get Beijing to convince Kim Jong Un that it is in North Korea’s interest to return to negotiations with the U.S. and that the U.S. is prepared to be fair and flexible in its negotiations for complete and verifiable denuclearization, in return for the eventual lifting of sanctions and a path for normal relations. Middle East Rouhani says key issues in JCPOA have been resolved Tehran Times6/23/2021 Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that the main issues in the Vienna talks on the revival of the 2015 nuclear deal have been settled, noting it is now possible to have the sanctions lifted right away. Iran says U.S. to lift oil sanctions, U.S. says nothing agreed ReutersHumeyra Pamuk, Parisa Hafezi 6/23/2021 Iran said on Wednesday the United States had agreed to remove all sanctions on Iran’s oil and shipping but Washington said “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed” in talks to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Iran to decide whether to extend IAEA monitoring deal after expiry -official ReutersParisa Hafezi, Mark Heinrich 6/23/2021 Iran will decide whether to extend its monitoring deal with the International Atomic Energy Agency after its expiry on June 24, Iranian state TV’s news website quoted presidential chief of staff Mahmoud Vaezi as saying on Wednesday. French minister says time running out on Iran nuclear talks Reuters6/23/2021 Talks on Iran’s nuclear program need to end quickly because time is running out, French junior minister Franck Riester said on Wednesday. The takeaway: Raisi likely can’t resist economic benefits of Iran nuclear deal Al-monitorAndrew Parasiliti, Elizabeth Hagedorn, Joe Snell 6/23/2021 The economic payday from a revived JCPOA would be a huge boost economically and politically. The JCPOA was wildly popular in Iran. If Raisi can close the deal, the conservatives, not the Reformists, can claim the windfall. Iran voices optimism Nuclear Deal can be revived Radio Free Europe6/23/2021 Outgoing Iranian President Hassan Rohani says the main issues between Tehran and world powers to revive the 2015 nuclear deal have been resolved, although Germany and France caution that hurdles remain. Russia The nuclear doctrine: Army chief Gerasimov explains that Moscow reserves right to fire nukes if enemies use them against Russia RTJonny Tickle 6/24/2021 Russia has the right to use nuclear warheads in response to the use of weapons of mass destruction against it or its allies, and may even deploy them against conventional weapons if “the very existence of the state is threatened.” Oceania Australia needs to step up on nuclear MirageGem Romuld 6/24/2021 The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons entered into force in January. As a nuclear-endorsing nation, Australia’s signature is critical to the process of turning the tide against these inhumane weapons.