Top News U.S. nuclear submarine USS Connecticut damaged in underwater collision with unknown “object” in South China Sea CBS News U.S. calls for ‘imminent’ return to nuclear talks with Iran Al Jazeera North Korea’s Yongbyon Nuclear Complex: 5 MWe reactor may still be operating 38 North United States U.S. nuclear submarine USS Connecticut damaged in underwater collision with unknown “object” in South China Sea CBS News10/8/21 The USS Connecticut struck an unidentified object in the South China Sea, damaging the submarine and injuring 11 crewmembers. Former officials call for AUKUS submarines to use low enriched uranium Breaking Defense10/6/21 Former U.S. officials and nuclear nonproliferation experts have called on the Biden Administration to commit to using low enriched uranium in future nuclear submarines, specifically in the AUKUS deal. Summary: Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4350) as passed Center for Arms Control and Non-proliferation10/7/21 A summary of nuclear-related funding requests in the National Defense Authorization Act as passed, including requests by the Department of Defense, National Nuclear Security Administration, and Department of Energy. Middle East U.S. calls for ‘imminent’ return to nuclear talks with Iran Al Jazeera10/8/21 The State Department spokesperson said that the U.S. is ready to return to the negotiating table imminently, but noted that the revival of nuclear talks depends on Iran. PODCAST: Iran unlikely to consider crossing nuclear weapons threshold unless attacked, says Ali Vaez Al-Monitor10/7/21 Ali Vaez and Andrew Parasiliti discuss the stalled Iran nuclear talks and prospects for the future of the deal. East Asia China demands answers on U.S. nuclear submarine accident in South China Sea South China Morning Post10/8/21 Chinese officials have called on the U.S. to disclose more information about the USS Connecticut’s collision with an object in the South China Sea, citing concerns about nuclear leaks. North Korea’s Yongbyon Nuclear Complex: 5 MWe reactor may still be operating 38 North10/8/21 Satellite imagery showing the intermittent discharge of water from the Yongbyon Nuclear Complex suggests the reactor may still be operating. ANALYSIS: ‘Two pedals’: North Korea sends conflicting messages with missiles tests and hints of outreach Washington Post10/7/21 North Korea is sending contradictory messages to South Korea and its allies through multiple missile tests and the restoration of inter-Korean communication lines. OPINION: Should South Korea build its own nuclear bomb? Washington PostJennifer Lind, Daryl G. Press 10/7/21 As the U.S.-South Korea alliance faces growing credibility issues, South Korea may need to develop its own nuclear weapons.