Top News: Latest NK missile nuclear-tipped, hard to intercept Korea Herald U.S. tries to break Iran nuclear deadlock with new proposal for Tehran Politico PODCAST: What’s the point of nuclear weapons today? Crisis Group United States U.S. tries to break Iran nuclear deadlock with new proposal for Tehran Politico3/29/21 The proposal, which would include some sanctions relief for Iran, comes as Iranian elections loom. PODCAST: What’s the point of nuclear weapons today? Crisis Group3/30/21 This week on War & Peace, Olga Oliker and Hugh Pope talk to Jessica Cox, director of Nuclear Policy at NATO, about the alliance’s position on nuclear weapons, NATO’s deterrence policy, and how all this might evolve as relations with Russia change. OPINION: How the Biden administration can secure real gains in nuclear arms control Bulletin of Atomic ScientistsSharon Squassoni 3/30/21 Less than two months into his term of office, President Joseph R. Biden signaled a renewed commitment to U.S. arms control leadership. OPINION: Biden should learn from LBJ and defuse the Iran nuclear crisis NewsweekRyan Costello 3/30/21 President Joe Biden is pursuing a bold and transformative presidency. Having succeeded in passing the most progressive economic package in recent history with the narrowest of majorities, he is now feeling bullish about abolishing the filibuster to protect voting rights for Americans and secure other long-awaited reforms. East Asia Satellite image shows renewed activity at North Korean nuclear lab NBC3/30/21 The activity at Yongbyon lab follows a series of short-range missile tests by North Korea, apparently aimed at ratcheting up pressure on the U.S. and South Korea. Latest NK missile nuclear-tipped, hard to intercept Korea Herald3/31/21 The two ballistic missiles North Korea tested a week ago could carry nuclear warheads and would be hard to intercept with South Korea’s missile defense systems. ANALYSIS: The key choices now facing the Biden administration on North Korea Brookings3/30/21 The Biden administration will soon complete its review of US policy toward the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). ANALYSIS: Inter-Korean missile race may leave North Korea with tactical nuclear weapons ReutersJosh Smith 3/30/21 North Korea has surged ahead during recent years in an inter-Korean arms race that has led to a proliferation of short-range missiles on the peninsula and left Pyongyang closer than ever to deploying tactical nuclear weapons. Middle East U.S. open to discussing wider nuclear deal road map if Iran wishes Reuters3/30/21 Efforts to sketch out initial U.S. and Iranian steps to resume compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal have stalled and Western officials believe Iran may now wish to discuss a wider road map to revive the pact, something Washington is willing to do. With huge Iran deal, China hopes deep pockets further boost influence in Middle East Radio Free Europe3/29/21 Beijing has pledged to invest $400 billion in Iran over 25 years in a deal that could see China’s economic, political, and military influence there and across the Middle East expand. OPINION: The China-Iran axis Wall Street Journal3/29/21 Beijing gains influence and helps Tehran evade U.S. sanctions.