Top News F-35A passes nuclear training test as Air Force unveils new squadron at Lakenheath Stars and Stripes Iran cannot set new conditions for resuming nuclear talks – Germany Reuters South Korea preparing to resume dialogue with North Korea after restoration of communication lines Yonhap News United States F-35A passes nuclear training test as Air Force unveils new squadron at Lakenheath Stars and Stripes10/5/21 The F-35A Lightning II, slated to support NATO’s nuclear deterrence mission, successfully dropped mock nuclear bombs during training flights. At the same time, the 495th Fighter Squadron was reactivated at Britain’s RAF Lakenheath. OPINION: One man shouldn’t control the nuclear button Wall Street JournalWilliam J. Perry 10/4/21 Given the potential for unstable presidents and false alarms from warning systems, the President should not have sole authority to launch nuclear weapons. Middle East Iran cannot set new conditions for resuming nuclear talks – Germany Reuters10/4/21 Germany would reject any new conditions set by Iran to restart nuclear talks, including its demand for the U.S. to unfreeze $10 billion. Nuclear Iran: Diplomatic path remains best option, but we have other avenues – U.S. official The Jerusalem Post10/5/21 The U.S. remains committed to a diplomatic path forward with Iran’s nuclear activities but maintains that it can pursue “other avenues” should diplomacy fail. East Asia South Korea preparing to resume dialogue with North Korea after restoration of communication lines Yonhap News10/5/21 Following the restoration of communication lines, South Korea is continuing preparations to restart talks with North Korea. Severe rain hits North Korea’s Yongbyon nuclear complex: state media NK News10/5/21 Flooding from heavy rain could damage or disrupt activity at the Yongbyon Nuclear Facility. North Korea keeps developing nuclear, missile programs: UN experts The Korea Herald10/5/21 In a recent report, a panel of UN experts stated that North Korea continues to seek foreign technologies for the development of its nuclear and missile programs. Record number of China planes enter Taiwan air defence zone BBC10/5/21 Almost 150 Chinese aircraft, including nuclear-capable aircraft, have made incursions into Taiwan’s defense zone. International INTERVIEW: Confronting the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty challenge: An interview with new CTBTO Executive Secretary Robert Floyd Arms Control Association10/1/21 On the 25th Anniversary of the CTBT opening for signature, Daryl Kimball and CTBTO Executive Secretary Robert Floyd discuss the past and future of the CTBT.