Top News: Germany calls on Iran to resume nuclear talks DW Biden administration begins nuclear posture review Arms Control Association Satellite imagery shows North Korean troops preparing for military parade – reports Reuters United States Biden administration begins nuclear posture review Arms Control Association9/1/21 The Biden administration has formally begun a review of U.S. nuclear weapons policy against the backdrop of several competing pressures. Pentagon raises concerns about NNSA budget Arms Control Association9/1/21 The Nuclear Weapons Council, which coordinates planning for the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile, certified in July that the Energy Department’s fiscal year 2022 budget request is adequate to sustain and modernize the country’s nuclear warheads and supporting infrastructure. Joint statement on the U.S.-Ukraine strategic partnership U.S. White House9/1/21 The United States and Ukraine have reached agreement on maintaining a secure 24/7 communications link through the National and Nuclear Risk Reduction Center. We have also agreed to a seven-year extension of the Agreement Regarding Assistance to Ukraine in the Elimination of Strategic Nuclear Arms, and the Prevention of Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, signed in 1993, to support mutual nonproliferation objectives and bolster regional and international security. OPINION: Sustaining the nuclear taboo InkstickAlexandra Greig-Duarte 9/2/21 Nuclear weapons play an integral role in military strategy and could easily bring an abrupt end to ongoing global discord. East Asia Satellite imagery shows North Korean troops preparing for military parade – reports Reuters9/2/21 North Korean troops have been spotted in commercial satellite imagery preparing for a likely military parade, according to two organisations that track the country. OPINION: Why is China ramping up construction of missile silos? Aspi Strategist – Ron Huisken 9/2/21 Earlier this year, freelance analysts in the United States confirmed vague Pentagon speculation since around 2018 that China intended to expand its force of land-based strategic missiles capable of reaching most or all of the US. Middle East New Iranian foreign minister hints at nuclear deal approach Axios9/1/21 In his first remarks about the nuclear standoff since assuming office, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian indicated that Iran wants to negotiate with the West, but is in no rush. Germany calls on Iran to resume nuclear talks DW9/1/21 Informal negotiations stalled after Iran’s new hardline president was elected in June. Tehran has caused an international outcry in recent months over the broadening scope of its nuclear program. Biden and Israeli PM renewed agreement on covert nuclear program Axios9/1/21 President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett reaffirmed the strategic understandings between the U.S. and Israel regarding Israel’s alleged undeclared military nuclear program during Bennett’s White House visit, a senior Israeli official briefed on the meeting tells me.