“End Nuclear Insanity Before Nuclear Insanity Ends Humanity” ~llaw
Mar 07, 2025
(See Newsweek article below for description and photo credits ~llaw)
LLAW’s NUCLEAR WORLD NEWS of TODAY with the RISKS and CONSEQUENCES of TOMORROW
In My Opinion:
No ally or enemy trusts Donald Trump. He is an unpredictable pathological liar that no country can rely on — including his own. He often twists or refutes himself concerning policies, recommendations, decisions, and whatever else comes out of his mouth, unpredictably altering his already questionable versions of “truths” to something completely contradictory.
So, if he says something like, let’s “denuclarize” or calls for “denuclarization” others would guess at best that he would mean only them and their country, which, in reality, might actually increase the nuclear world’s weapons. And then there is also the question of “what about nuclear power plants”.
And by-the-way, “denuclarize” or “denuclarization” weren’t even non-standard recognized English dictionary words until February 3rd of this year, and essentially therefore have no established common meaning other than the “act of removing nuclear weapons from someplace”, without even a concept of how such project would be accomplished. ~llaw
Nuclear Warning for Donald Trump
Published Mar 07, 2025 at 5:00 AM EST Updated Mar 07, 2025 at 3:30 PM EST
By Matthew Tostevin
Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member
Although President Donald Trump has said he wants to get rid of nuclear weapons, the uncertainty he is creating over global alliances has made it likely more countries will consider them, nuclear weapons experts say.
The risk is of a new wave of nuclear proliferation, with a larger number of nuclear powers increasing the chance of either intentional or accidental use of atomic weapons—if not World War III.
“Many of the countries that earlier decided to forego the nuclear weapons option did so precisely because of the protection provided by the United States and alliances,” said Elena Sokova, executive director of the nonprofit Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation.
“I’m first and most concerned about the developments among the United States and Europe, the traditional partners, but in the same way in Asia. Asia-Pacific is also feeling the pressure and also concerns about the reliability of the alliances.”
A State Department spokesperson told Newsweek: “The United States has long worked to prevent additional states from acquiring nuclear weapons.”
“America’s commitments to the defense of our allies are unwavering, and we continue to consult closely with allies and partners to maintain and strengthen extended deterrence. America’s allies have repeatedly reaffirmed their commitments to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty,” the spokesperson said.
Trump Seeks To Get Rid of Nuclear Weapons
Trump has said he wants denuclearization along with Russia and China, saying on Thursday “it would be great if everybody would get rid of their nuclear weapons.”
But Europe has been shaken by the Trump administration’s approach to security, with countries openly questioning the future of the U.S.-dominated North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) that they had seen as their main protection for decades.
Not only has Trump become much closer to Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and shown an apparent readiness for concessions to end the Ukraine war that European countries oppose, but his administration has also challenged them to increase their defense spending and appeared ready to reduce U.S. troop numbers in Europe. Then there have been his threats against Panama and his view that the United States should take over Greenland—if not make Canada the 51st state, too.
Who Are U.S. Allies?
U.S. allies such as Japan in South Korea in Asia and also those in the Middle East are watching closely and questioning how far they can count on American power to defend them.
“You have discussion already in Europe and interest in nuclear options in countries like South Korea. I think most of them would hedge their bets and watch,” said Lukasz Kulesa, director of Proliferation and Nuclear Policy at Britain’s Royal United Services Institute think tank.
“It’s not a decision any country would take lightly,” he said, adding: “Not on the basis of a turbulent couple of weeks with the Trump administration.”
Which Countries Have Nuclear Weapons?
For now, there are only nine states believed to be in possession of nuclear weapons, in order of number of warheads: Russia, the United States, China, France, Britain, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea.
The data provided by the Federation of American Scientists think tank also counts retired warheads awaiting dismantlement.
Key to limiting nuclear proliferation since 1945 had been the U.S.’s “nuclear umbrella,” a promise to protect allies in exchange for them not to develop their own weapons, said Sharon Squassoni, a research professor at George Washington University who previously served in the U.S. government.
“Faith in the United States is at an all-time low. It wouldn’t surprise me at all to see the worst chain of nuclear weapons proliferation since the 1940s in the midst of this chaos. And, of course, that would make the world a much more dangerous place,” she told Newsweek.
Which Countries Might Get Nuclear Weapons?
The most likely candidate to obtain nuclear weapons in the near future is Iran—although Trump has said he will not allow nuclear-armed Israel’s main adversary to obtain them and has ramped up pressure to try to force it into negotiations, while maintaining a military option.
If Iran were to get nuclear weapons, that could put pressure on other regional players, including Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. The latter hosts U.S. nuclear weapons under a NATO agreement, but has also shown interest in its own weapons. That might become more likely if NATO frays ,given Türkiye’s historic rivalry with Russia as well.
In Europe, France has offered to extend its nuclear protection to other states and some have given an initially positive reception—while Russia called it “extremely confrontational.”
Germany’s likely incoming chancellor, Friedrich Merz, said he would speak to both France and Britain about extending nuclear protection. But in time, other countries—perhaps Germany itself—might feel the need if a credible European deterrent is not established quickly, experts say. At the least, France and Britain may need to upgrade their weapons.
There is also uncertainty in East Asia, where South Korea and Japan have both lived under the U.S. nuclear umbrella.
Legacy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Polls show a large majority of South Koreans favor developing an independent nuclear deterrent. Most Japanese do not, given the horrific history of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but that could change if the United States were no longer perceived as offering protection.
Self-ruling Taiwan never acquired nuclear weapons, but did research them, and currently relies on the U.S. in the face of the invasion threat from China for what it regards as a breakaway province.
“It’s not a trivial program to launch and start. It’s an expensive endeavor,” said Sokova. “For some countries, they may want to have a nuclear weapons program, but either their technical capabilities or other factors would not be in favor.”
How Are Nuclear Weapons Made?
Acquiring, processing and enriching nuclear isotopes are easier for countries with established nuclear power capacities. Then come designing and building weapons and testing delivery systems—all under the eyes of potential adversaries to add to the challenges. The fact that North Korea, one of the world’s poorest countries, could develop nuclear weapons showed it could be possible for any state with the determination, however.
There are agreements and institutions in place designed to limit the spread of nuclear weapons. Many countries take seriously their commitments under the U.N. Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. It has a safeguards system under the responsibility of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which verifies compliance.
“There still are organizations and treaties, and, you know, a sense that the whole world hasn’t gone to hell in a hand basket,” said Squassoni. “But you know what, this is a very dangerous moment.”
Updated on 03/07/2025 at 3:30 p.m. ET with comment from the State Department
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TODAY’s NUCLEAR WORLD’s NEWS, Friday, (03/07/2025)
All Things Nuclear
NEWS
Trump says he sent letter to Iran leader to negotiate nuclear deal – Colorado Springs Gazette
Colorado Springs Gazette
… all the international sanctions to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. … Subscribe to stay up to date with all things Colorado. Subscribe …
Putin’s Aide Trains All Guns on Macron Over ‘Nuclear Umbrella Over Europe’ Proposal | Watch
YouTube
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov condemned French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement about extending France’s nuclear deterrent to Europe …
What is a nuclear umbrella? – YouTube
YouTube
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The Debrief
… about carbon generation and nuclear waste storage. Elsewhere, analysis of … All these agencies contribute to the National Technical Nuclear …
Nuclear Power
NEWS
The US can reduce Russia’s nuclear energy—and geopolitical—influence – Atlantic Council
Atlantic Council
For the past two decades, Russia has wielded its nuclear energy technologies—through its state-owned conglomerate Rosatom—as a strategic export to …
Nuclear warning for Donald Trump – Newsweek
Newsweek
It has a safeguards system under the responsibility of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which verifies compliance. “There still are …
A Strategic Opportunity: U.S. Funding in Vietnam’s Pursuit of Nuclear Power – CSIS
CSIS
In addition to the nuclear energy agreement, Vietnam and Russia also committed to “advancing nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes,” …
Nuclear Power Emergencies
NEWS
Russian UAV attacks Chornobyl NPP – Emergency successfully resolved – RBC-Ukraine
RBC-Ukraine
The smoldering fire at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) has been extinguished. A unit of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine will …
Emergency situation resolved at Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant | Ukrainska Pravda
pravda.com.ua
An emergency situation at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) has been resolved following a Russian attack on 14 February.
Chornobyl fully clears Russian drone strike damage – The New Voice of Ukraine
The New Voice of Ukraine
The emergency situation at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant was completely eliminated on Friday, March 7.
Nuclear War Threats
NEWS
Mocking him as ‘Micron,’ Russia warns Macron against making nuclear ‘threats‘ – Fox News
Fox News
Mocking him as ‘Micron,’ Russia warns Macron against making nuclear ‘threats‘ … war in Ukraine to continue. FORMER LEADER OF NATO NATION SLAMS …
France to consider protecting European allies with its nuclear arsenal, Macron says – CNN
CNN
… nuclear weapons, prepares to use nuclear weapons against Russia, this is, of course, a threat,” Lavrov said at a news conference on Thursday.
Ukraine-Russia war latest: Moscow accuses UK of ‘inventing threats‘ – The Independent
The Independent
Andrei Kelin said: “Russia does not threaten France or the United Kingdom. Here in the United Kingdom, they are very good at inventing threats. I have …
Nuclear War
NEWS
Trump’s Nuclear Talks Offer Before War? Warns Of ‘Very Ugly Consequences’ In Letter To Khamenei
YouTube
Times Of India (TOI) Is The Largest Selling English Daily In The World. Times Of India Videos Bring You Global News, Views And Sharp Analysis.
Trump tells Khamenei to make a nuclear deal or face military intervention | Iran International
iranintl.com
… nuclear program, he told Fox Business Network, but warned that … “It is Israel’s desire to involve the other countries in the region in a war.
Poland seeks access to nuclear arms and looks to build half-million-man army – Politico.eu
Politico.eu
this is a race for security, not for war,” he said. He pointed to the example of Ukraine, which gave up is nuclear arsenal and is now being attacked …
France has a nuclear umbrella. Could its European allies fit under it? – BBC
BBC
War in Ukraine · US & Canada · UK · UK Politics · England · N. Ireland · N. Ireland … Until now French nuclear doctrine has been built around the …
Mocking him as ‘Micron,’ Russia warns Macron against making nuclear ‘threats’ – Fox News
Fox News
… War Three. France could consider protecting European allies with its nuclear arsenal. Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President …
Macron Suggests Extending Nuclear Umbrella To European Allies In Face Of Russian Aggression
Radio Free Europe
Trump, who has made ending the war in Ukraine a centerpiece of his second term in office, also raised worries among European allies after he called …
Yellowstone Caldera
NEWS
ERUPTED AT 20250306/1656Z FL050 EXTD S OBS VA DTG: 06/1700Z to 5000 ft (1500 m)
Volcano Discovery
… Caldera’s Sakurajima volcano) during 24 February-2 March. … List and interactive map of current and past earthquakes near Yellowstone volcano.
IAEA Weekly News
7 March 2025
Read the top news and updates published on IAEA.org this week.
7 March 2025
International Women’s Day: Nuclear Needs Women
The world needs nuclear and nuclear needs women. This International Women’s Day, learn why this matters, how we’re helping, and how you can get involved. Read more →
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Update 279 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine
The presence of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at Ukraine’s nuclear power plants (NPPs) remains an “invaluable asset” for the international community and must be preserved, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi told Member States after the completion of a delayed team rotation at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). Read more →
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Call for Abstracts: Conference on Radiation Protection in Medicine — X Ray Vision
Interested contributors have until 2 May 2025 to submit abstracts for scientific posters for the IAEA’s International Conference on Radiation Protection in Medicine — X Ray Vision. Read more →
4 March 2025
Major Nuclear Repository Adopts New Fully Searchable Digital Platform
The IAEA’s International Nuclear Information System has been further strengthened with the addition of a modern repository platform. Read more →
3 March 2025
IAEA Board Briefed on Ukraine, Iran, Gender Parity, AI and More
The IAEA Director General reminded the Agency’s Board of Governors today of the precarious nuclear safety situation in Ukraine, and discussed his trip to Fukushima, developments with Iran, reaching gender parity at the IAEA and more. Read more →