Nuclear security

Italy's parliament has approved a law paving the way for the country's return to nuclear power, nearly four decades after Italians voted to shut down nuclear plants following the 1987 referendum triggered by Chernobyl. The move marks a major energy policy shift as European countries reassess nuclear energy amid energy security and climate concerns. Reaction is mixed, with supporters hailing it as pragmatic and critics citing Italy's seismic risk and past referendums.

Discussion is focusing on what the United States and Iran would need to settle to reach any peace deal, with attention on outstanding disputes between the two countries. Key sticking points likely under debate include Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief, regional conflicts and security guarantees. With tensions high, analysts and readers are weighing whether diplomacy can bridge the gaps or whether the two sides remain too far apart for an agreement.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is taking part in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. His appearance comes as Tehran's nuclear programme, sanctions pressure and regional tensions remain high on the assembly's agenda, drawing attention to how Iran positions itself before the international community this year.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is leading Iran's diplomatic push at the United Nations in New York, centring his messaging on the recent war, the strategic Strait of Hormuz, and Iran's claimed right to a nuclear programme. The outreach frames Iran's positions for an international audience, emphasising defence of national rights and regional security concerns during the UN gathering.

Mission-K 2026 is set to take place in Kalkar, Germany, drawing Europe's space and defence community to an unusual venue. The town is known for its former nuclear power plant turned leisure complex, giving the event a striking backdrop. Organisers are positioning the gathering at the intersection of European security policy and the space industry.

The United States says it has reached a nuclear power agreement with Saudi Arabia, according to an EnergyNews report. The announcement signals progress in long-running negotiations over American help with a Saudi civilian nuclear programme, though details of the terms, timelines and any safeguards have not yet been made public. The story is drawing attention as Riyadh pursues nuclear energy while regional tensions over nuclear development remain high.

Donald Trump again described North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a friend while citing the country's large nuclear arsenal. The remarks draw attention to Trump's unusual personal rapport with Kim, built during his presidency through high-profile summits, and renew debate over whether that relationship reduces or actually legitimizes the nuclear threat posed by Pyongyang.

Donald Trump has said he is comfortable with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un possessing nuclear weapons, citing his personal relationship with him and saying 'he likes me.' The remarks, reported by The Independent, have drawn criticism for dismissing a major security threat in favour of personal diplomacy and for undermining longstanding US policy on North Korean denuclearisation.

The United Nations Secretary-General has urged renewed efforts toward nuclear disarmament, calling on states to advance measures aimed at reducing nuclear arsenals and the risk of nuclear conflict. The appeal comes amid ongoing tensions among nuclear-armed powers and stalled arms-control negotiations, with the UN chief stressing that disarmament remains central to international peace and security.

Commentary is arguing that Iran's nuclear programme demonstrates why nuclear deterrence remains relevant. The piece contends that Tehran's advances strengthen the case for deterrence-based security thinking, prompting debate among defence analysts over whether nuclear capability, or credible deterrence by allies, shapes how states respond to Iranian nuclear ambitions and broader proliferation risks in the Middle East.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has called on the UN Security Council to provide leadership on nuclear weapons and to impose sanctions, according to Channels Television. The appeal positions Nigeria within ongoing global debates over nuclear proliferation and the Council's willingness to enforce consequences against violators.

Donald Trump said North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has a 'pretty large' nuclear capacity, but insisted the situation will be 'fine' as long as he himself is 'around'. The remarks frame Trump's personal relationship with Kim as the key safeguard against a nuclear threat from Pyongyang, reviving his first-term diplomacy narrative. Commentators are weighing whether such reassurance amounts to a credible deterrent or an oversimplification of a serious security challenge.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has again called for an open national debate on nuclear weapons and nuclear-powered submarines, saying Japan should discuss such issues "without taboos." He expressed frustration that an atmosphere of reluctance still discourages serious public discussion of nuclear options, a sensitive topic given Japan's postwar pacifist identity and history as the only nation attacked with atomic bombs.