US President Donald Trump stated that Iran will agree to major inspections to ensure 'nuclear honesty,' a move he believes will lead to denuclearization. This follows a memorandum of understanding where Iran agreed to allow IAEA inspectors.
US Vice President J.D. Vance announced that Iran has agreed to allow IAEA inspectors back into the country, a development following initial talks aimed at ending the Middle East war. This move is seen as a significant step towards denuclearization.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated the agency is prepared to verify any nuclear agreement between the U.S. and Iran, emphasizing verification's centrality. He also highlighted the NPT's importance and the growing global consideration of nuclear energy.
The Zaporozhye Thermal Power Plant (ZTPP), crucial for supplying electricity to the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), was heavily attacked on June 4. The IAEA reported observing smoke and hearing military activity, expressing concern for the ZNPP's power supply. ZNPP staff are sheltering, but the nuclear plant continues to operate normally.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov stated that Russia's nuclear doctrine permits the use of nuclear weapons if the country's territorial integrity is threatened by aggressors. He also discussed normalizing US relations and criticized the IAEA's stance on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant.
The Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) lost off-site power for 20 minutes overnight due to a drone strike on the Nikopolskaya substation, the IAEA reported. Emergency generators kicked in until the power line was restored, highlighting the "constant dangers to nuclear safety during the war."
The IAEA requests access to the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine after a reported drone strike, with Russia blaming Ukraine for the 'deliberate' attack, which Kyiv denies.
Russia's President Putin blamed Ukraine for a deadly drone attack in Luhansk, vowing retaliation. Ukraine denied the claims, stating it targeted Russian military assets. Meanwhile, Czech President Pavel urged NATO to respond assertively to Russian provocations.
The Ukrainian military carried out a drone attack on the external radiation control laboratory at the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), according to the facility's statement. The laboratory monitors radiation levels and weather parameters around the site. No casualties or critical damage were reported. The IAEA has been informed of the incident.
Seven in 10 South Koreans support developing nuclear weapons according to polls, while Japan's PM refuses to rule out nuclear armament. The war on Iran has transformed nuclear discourse in both countries, with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi warning of a potential global nuclear arms race. Analysts caution the non-proliferation order in East Asia remains intact but psychological barriers are eroding.
Four candidates vying to replace UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres faced questioning over two days, with all expressing pessimistic views about the organization's direction. Argentine diplomat Rafael Grossi, former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, UN official Rebeca Grynspan, and former Senegal president Macky Sall all voiced concerns about waning trust in the UN and doubts about its effectiveness.
Russia will actively participate in interactive dialogues at the UN General Assembly with candidates for Secretary-General on April 21-22, according to Kirill Logvinov of the Russian Foreign Ministry. Candidates include former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, UNCTAD head Rebeca Grynspan, and former Senegalese President Macky Sall.
