Nuclear security

A journalist asked NATO how it will protect civilian flights from electronic warfare and GPS jamming during its Steadfast Noon nuclear exercise, held next week in Italy. After two days of silence, NATO replied that it does not disclose details for security and operational reasons. The exchange raises questions about safeguards for civil aviation during large-scale nuclear drills amid ongoing electronic warfare concerns in Europe.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed Iran's nuclear weapons program during remarks in Greece. His comments come amid ongoing international concern over Tehran's nuclear activities and follow heightened tensions between Washington and Iran. Rubio's remarks in Greece underscore the US position that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons, drawing wide attention from audiences following US-Iran relations and Middle East security.

Lithuania's parliament has approved on first reading a bill that would lift the country's ban on hosting nuclear weapons on its territory. The move, reported by international media including DW, marks a significant shift in the Baltic state's security policy amid regional tensions with Russia. A final vote is still required before the ban would formally be repealed, and debate over the implications is expected to continue.

Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico is struggling to hire skilled machinists, reporting that the training pipeline for the trade has grown scarce. The lab, which supports US nuclear weapons work, relies on precision machining, and the shortage of qualified candidates is complicating staffing. The story highlights a wider decline in vocational training for specialized manufacturing roles.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has referred Iran to the UN Security Council, according to the Arms Control Association. The referral signals that the UN nuclear watchdog has concluded Iran is not in compliance with its safeguards obligations, opening the way for possible Security Council action. The move comes amid long-running tensions over Iran's nuclear programme and the status of international inspections.

Sweden and Finland will take part in a NATO nuclear deterrence exercise, a notable step for the two newest alliance members. Their participation underscores their deepening integration into NATO's defence planning since joining the alliance, and comes amid heightened attention to nuclear deterrence in Europe following Russia's war in Ukraine.

NATO has announced that its Steadfast Noon 2026 exercise will test the alliance's nuclear deterrence readiness. The annual exercise involves air forces from member states trained in nuclear missions, typically without live weapons. The announcement is drawing attention amid heightened European security concerns and ongoing debates about the credibility of nuclear deterrence in the alliance.

NATO is conducting nuclear-related military exercises in Italy. The drills, reported by defence media, involve alliance forces practising procedures connected to nuclear deterrence missions on Italian territory. Details on the scale, participants and timing of the manoeuvres remain limited, but such exercises typically draw attention amid heightened tensions with Russia and ongoing debates about nuclear sharing in Europe.

India has criticised Pakistan at the United Nations, stating that nuclear weapons must not be treated as routine tools of statecraft. The remarks underscore long-running tensions between the two neighbours, both nuclear-armed, and New Delhi's frustration with what it sees as Islamabad's atomic rhetoric. The statement was delivered during a UN address drawing attention to regional security concerns.

A survey of American opinion on whether South Korea should arm itself with nuclear weapons has drawn wide attention, with 70% of respondents giving what the report calls an unexpected answer. The finding is fueling debate in South Korea about public support for independent nuclear armament amid ongoing North Korean threats and questions about the reliability of the US security alliance.

Iran's nuclear spokesperson has declared that the country will secure its interests either through diplomacy or through battle, according to remarks carried by Iranian news agencies including ISNA and Borna. The statement signals a firm position amid ongoing tensions over Iran's nuclear programme, framing diplomacy and confrontation as equally available options.

The head of Iran's nuclear organisation has said the country's nuclear technology is safe from American attacks and threats, according to Roya News. The statement comes amid ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington over Iran's nuclear programme, and it signals defiance from Iranian officials who insist their capabilities are protected despite external pressure and military rhetoric.