As the US shifts its global security focus, European nations are openly debating the need for a homegrown nuclear deterrent. France has offered its nuclear shield, while Germany is seeking security guarantees from the UK and France. With Trump's retreat from NATO commitments, is Europe on its own against nuclear threats?

Europe stares at a nuclear future without US

The U.S. strengthens its nuclear defense capabilities with a significant tactical evolution, ensuring air superiority and enhanced security.

America closes nuclear gap in its skies with tactical evolution

The US is removing restrictions on Indian nuclear entities to foster stronger civil nuclear cooperation, marking a new chapter in the relations between the two nations. Watch this report for more details!

US to lift restrictions on Indian nuclear entities

US says that China’s military power is growing at an unprecedented rate. The Pentagon's annual report says that Beijing is making its most ambitious move yet. A massive expansion of its nuclear arsenal. Our story details how the American assessment says that China is rapidly working on its goal to expanding its long-range missiles which can hit deep within the US.

US: China Has Sharply Expanded Its Nuclear Arsenal

A blistering new book reveals the extent of U.S. President Joe Biden's frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. American journalist Bob Woodward’s upcoming book “War,” reportedly details the tumultuous relationship between Biden and Bibi even as the U.S. publicly extends support for Israel for its war in Gaza.

Biden Abuse Hits Netanyahu as White House Draws Nuclear Line on Iran

The United States has issued a warning against any attempts to target Iran's nuclear sites, cautioning that such actions could escalate tensions in the region. The statement comes amid growing concerns over Iran's advancing nuclear program and recent geopolitical developments. The U.S. emphasized the importance of diplomacy in resolving the issue, while warning of the potential for severe consequences if military action is taken.

US Warns Against Targeting Iran's Nuclear Sites

United Nations nuclear agency chief Rafael Grossi has reacted to North Korea's possession of nuclear weapons. In an interview he said that the world must pursue dialogue with the DPRK despite its violations of UN sanctions and international law.

UN Nuclear Chief On North Korea's Nuclear Program: IAEA Chief Warns Of Wider Nuclear Threat

American officials have confirmed that China's newest nuclear submarine sank in a dock. According to American officials the incident took place earlier this year between around May and June which came to light with the help of satellite images. Watch to know more.

China's Newest Nuclear-Powered Submarine Sinks

A new study suggests that X-ray pulses could deflect asteroids up to 4 kilometers in width. Watch to know more.

Scientists Propose Nuclear Solution To Save Earth From Asteroid Armageddon

Russia has warned Western nations that a nuclear war would ensue if they gave the green light for Ukraine to use long-range Western weapons to strike targets deep inside Russia. Watch to know more.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia warns West of nuclear response on missile supply to Kyiv

Russian MP issues warning to NATO, says 'More powerful weapons' will be used in retaliation to potential strikes on Russia. Watch to know more.

Russia to NATO: Kremlin vows powerful retaliation for deep strikes

US President Joe Biden and his UK counterpart Kier Starmer have expressed fear that Russia is sharing with Iran secret information and technology that could bring it closer to being able to build nuclear weapons in exchange for ballistic missiles. Biden and Starmer discussed the issue during their meeting in Washington on September 13.

Is Russia trading nuclear secrets for Iran missiles?

IAEA: Iran close to making nuclear bomb

Vladimir Putin threatened to declare war on the West if Ukraine's supporters let it to deploy weapons further into Russia. President Joe Biden dismissed this threat. Although Kyiv has begged for the change, no decision was made right away when Biden and the prime minister of Britain met on Friday.

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow threatens to melt Kyiv with new weapon

Russian President Vladimir Putin had sent a clear message about the consequences of Western long-range missiles strikes on Russia, the Kremlin said. President Volodymyr Zelensky blasted NATO reluctance to shoot down Russian missiles and drones even when they are "literally heading for Ukraine's neighbours' territory". Moscow warned that the Western military alliance was playing a "dangerous game, which may lead to a direct military confrontation of nuclear powers" by reportedly planning to deploy troops in Ukraine. Watch the latest Russia-Ukraine war updates in this video.

Will the west lift its missile restriction on Kyiv?

The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, has warned that lifting long-range missile restrictions on Ukraine would mean that Nato countries would be at war with Russia. Taking questions from reporters in Moscow, Putin said: 'If this decision is made, it will mean nothing less than the direct participation of Nato countries, the United States, and European countries in the war in Ukraine.' That would mean they were 'fighting Russia', he added.

Putin warns NATO risks 'war' with Russia over long-range missiles

Putin's nuclear dilemma: Risks of cornering a nuclear-armed Russia

Nuclear confrontation looms: Is the west forcing Putin's hand?

New images of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un touring what state media identified as a uranium enrichment facility have provided a rare glimpse into the country’s secretive nuclear weapons program. A report from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Friday stated that Kim visited the facility, described as a bright and sterile warehouse with long rows of cylindrical machinery, which is used to produce weapons-grade nuclear material for North Korea’s expanding arsenal.

North Korea's Kim Jong-un aims to increase nuclear weapons

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that the West letting Kyiv use longer-range weapons to strike Russian targets would mean NATO would be "at war" with Russia. Putin spoke as U.S. and U.K. top diplomats discussed easing rules on firing Western weapons into Russia, which Kyiv has been pressing for, more than two and a half years into Moscow's offensive.

Russia-Ukraine war | Putin: Long-range arms for Kyiv would mean war with NATO

A hawkish voice in Moscow is advocating that Russia could launch a limited nuclear strike on a NATO country without triggering all-out nuclear war. He claims that the United States is bluffing that it can guarantee nuclear protection to its allies. Our next story explains all about the alarming threat.

Putin aide Sergei Karaganov says Moscow could hit a NATO country

Is Russian President Putin preparing for nuclear war?

Will Russia use nuclear weapons? Putin's options explained

Will Russia nuke a NATO nation? Putin's options explained

UN nuclear agency chief Rafael Grossi arrived on Tuesday at the Kursk nuclear power plant which Moscow says has been repeatedly attacked by Ukrainian forces.

Russia-Ukraine War: UN Nuclear Agency Chief visits Kursk nuclear power plant

Los Alamos, where the American atomic bomb was born under the Manhattan Project led by Robert Oppenheimer, currently has plutonium levels similar to the site of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, researchers have warned.

“Extreme concentrations” of the radioactive material plutonium&nbsp;were found in soil, plants and water in the area, located in New Mexico state, said a study by North Arizona University researchers.

After years of redevelopment to make it safe, the land around Los Alamos had been turned into a dirt trail popular with bikers, hikers and runners, The Guardian newspaper said in a report.

WATCH: WION reports from the world's first-ever floating nuclear power plant in Russia's Far East

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In the area known as 'Acid Canyon', Northern Arizona University scientist Michael Ketterer found plutonium levels to be "among the highest" he had ever seen in a publicly accessible area in the US, and similar to Chernobyl in Ukraine, the site of the nuclear spillage disaster.

“This is one of the most shocking things I’ve ever stumbled across in my life,” said Ketterer, who led the study,&nbsp;pointing out that the radioactive isotopes are “hiding in plain sight”.

Meanwhile, the US Department of Energy said the plutonium levels were “very low and well within the safe exposure range,” said the report.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-use-weapons-never-used-before-iran-issues-threat-as-israel-mulls-over-retaliation-711898">Also read: ‘Will use weapons never used before’: Iran issues threat as Israel mulls over retaliation</a>

Ketterer agreed that immediate danger is low, but said the environmental risk is still worrying.

Plutonium can contaminate water supplies that eventually flow into the Rio Grande River. It can get into plants and eventually the&nbsp;food chain, or can be dispersed widely in ash in the event of a wildfire, he warned.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hiroshima-nagasaki-at-78-nolans-oppenheimer-has-put-atomic-focus-on-safe-use-of-nuclear-energy-623922">Also read: Hiroshima-Nagasaki at 78: Nolan's Oppenheimer has put 'atomic' focus on safe use of nuclear energy</a>

Until 1963, the Los Alamos National Laboratory sent radioactive waste into a canyon that became so saturated in toxic waste that it was dubbed 'Acid Canyon,' said the report.

The Guardian report&nbsp;said the study comes at a time when the US Department of Defense plans to increase production of plutonium pits, a core component of nuclear weapons, at Los Alamos.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Los Alamos was excluded from a defence bill that expanded funds for those exposed to the government’s radioactive waste.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Los Alamos, where the American atomic bomb was born under the Manhattan Project led by Robert Oppenheimer, currently has plutonium levels similar to the site of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, researchers have warned.

Los Alamos, where the American atomic bomb was born under the Manhattan Project led by Robert Oppenheimer, currently has plutonium levels similar to the site of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, researchers have warned. “Extreme concentrations” of the radioactive material plutonium were found in soil, plants and water in the area, located in New Mexico state, said a study by North Arizona University researchers. After years of redevelopment to make it safe, the land around Los Alamos had been turned into a dirt trail popular with bikers, hikers and runners, The Guardian newspaper said in a report. WATCH: WION reports from the world's first-ever floating nuclear power plant in Russia's Far East × In the area known as 'Acid Canyon', Northern Arizona University scientist Michael Ketterer found plutonium levels to be "among the highest" he had ever seen in a publicly accessible area in the US, and similar to Chernobyl in Ukraine, the site of the nuclear spillage disaster. “This is one of the most shocking things I’ve ever stumbled across in my life,” said Ketterer, who led the study, pointing out that the radioactive isotopes are “hiding in plain sight”. Meanwhile, the US Department of Energy said the plutonium levels were “very low and well within the safe exposure range,” said the report. Also read: ‘Will use weapons never used before’: Iran issues threat as Israel mulls over retaliation Ketterer agreed that immediate danger is low, but said the environmental risk is still worrying. Plutonium can contaminate water supplies that eventually flow into the Rio Grande River. It can get into plants and eventually the food chain, or can be dispersed widely in ash in the event of a wildfire, he warned. Also read: Hiroshima-Nagasaki at 78: Nolan's Oppenheimer has put 'atomic' focus on safe use of nuclear energy Until 1963, the Los Alamos National Laboratory sent radioactive waste into a canyon that became so saturated in toxic waste that it was dubbed 'Acid Canyon,' said the report. The Guardian report said the study comes at a time when the US Department of Defense plans to increase production of plutonium pits, a core component of nuclear weapons, at Los Alamos. Meanwhile, Los Alamos was excluded from a defence bill that expanded funds for those exposed to the government’s radioactive waste. (With inputs from agencies)

This American nuclear site has as much plutonium levels as Chernobyl disaster area in Ukraine

North Korea vowed Saturday to advance its nuclear capabilities, reacting to a report that the United States had revised its own nuclear strategic plan.&nbsp;

The country will "bolster up its strategic strength in every way to control and eliminate all sorts of security challenges that may result from Washington's revised plan", the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

The New York Times reported this week that a US plan approved by President Joe Biden in March was to prepare for possible coordinated nuclear confrontations with Russia, China and North Korea.

The highly classified plan for the first time reorients Washington's deterrent strategy to focus on China's rapid expansion in its nuclear arsenal, the Times said.

KCNA said North Korea's foreign ministry "expresses serious concern over and bitterly denounces and rejects the behavior of the US".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modis-historic-ukraine-visit-could-aid-zelenskys-vision-for-peace-says-white-house-752810">Modi's historic Ukraine visit could aid 'Zelensky’s vision' for peace, says White House</a>

It added North Korea vowed to push forward the building of nuclear force sufficient and reliable enough to firmly defend its sovereignty.

Pyongyang and Moscow have been allies since North Korea's founding after World War II and have drawn even closer since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The United States and Seoul have accused North Korea of providing ammunition and missiles to Russia for its war in Ukraine.

Pyongyang, which has declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear weapons power, has described allegations of supplying weapons to Russia as "absurd".

However, it did thank Russia for using its &nbsp;United Nations veto in March to effectively end monitoring of sanctions violations just as UN experts were starting to probe alleged arms transfers.

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China, also a key ally of North Korea, presents itself as a neutral party in Russia's offensive on Ukraine and says it is not sending lethal assistance to either side, unlike the United States and other Western nations.

But it is a close political and economic ally of Russia, and NATO members have branded Beijing a "decisive enabler" of the war.

Moscow has looked to Beijing as an economic lifeline since the Ukraine conflict began, with the two boosting trade to record highs as Russia faces heavy sanctions from the West.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

North Korea vowed Saturday to advance its nuclear capabilities, reacting to a report that the United States had revised its own nuclear strategic plan. The country will "bolster up its strategic strength in every way to control and eliminate all sorts of security challenges that may result from Washington's revised plan", the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

North Korea vowed Saturday to advance its nuclear capabilities, reacting to a report that the United States had revised its own nuclear strategic plan. The country will "bolster up its strategic strength in every way to control and eliminate all sorts of security challenges that may result from Washington's revised plan", the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. The New York Times reported this week that a US plan approved by President Joe Biden in March was to prepare for possible coordinated nuclear confrontations with Russia, China and North Korea. The highly classified plan for the first time reorients Washington's deterrent strategy to focus on China's rapid expansion in its nuclear arsenal, the Times said. KCNA said North Korea's foreign ministry "expresses serious concern over and bitterly denounces and rejects the behavior of the US". Also read: Modi's historic Ukraine visit could aid 'Zelensky’s vision' for peace, says White House It added North Korea vowed to push forward the building of nuclear force sufficient and reliable enough to firmly defend its sovereignty. Pyongyang and Moscow have been allies since North Korea's founding after World War II and have drawn even closer since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The United States and Seoul have accused North Korea of providing ammunition and missiles to Russia for its war in Ukraine. Pyongyang, which has declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear weapons power, has described allegations of supplying weapons to Russia as "absurd". However, it did thank Russia for using its United Nations veto in March to effectively end monitoring of sanctions violations just as UN experts were starting to probe alleged arms transfers. Also read: Four Islamic State-linked inmates killed by Russian security in deadly prison standoff China, also a key ally of North Korea, presents itself as a neutral party in Russia's offensive on Ukraine and says it is not sending lethal assistance to either side, unlike the United States and other Western nations. But it is a close political and economic ally of Russia, and NATO members have branded Beijing a "decisive enabler" of the war. Moscow has looked to Beijing as an economic lifeline since the Ukraine conflict began, with the two boosting trade to record highs as Russia faces heavy sanctions from the West. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

North Korea condemns new US nuclear strategic plan report

The White House stated on Tuesday (Aug 20) that a classified nuclear strategic plan approved by President Joe Biden this year is not directed at any specific country or threat. This clarification followed a New York Times report claiming that the plan reoriented US&nbsp;deterrence strategy to focus on China's expanding nuclear arsenal for the first time.

The US-based Arms Control Association said it understood U.S. nuclear weapons strategy and posture remained the same as described in the administration's 2022 Nuclear Posture Review, and there had been no reorientation away from Russia and toward China.

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According to The New York Times, the White House has not publicly confirmed President Biden's approval of the revised nuclear strategy, known as the "Nuclear Employment Guidance." However, it's anticipated that a notification to Congress about the changes will be issued before Biden leaves office.

NYT said that in recent speeches, two senior administration officials were allowed to allude to the strategy revision. It said the strategy is updated every four years or so.

When asked about the report, White House spokesperson Sean Savett said, "Following the pattern set by the previous four administrations, this administration has issued a Nuclear Posture Review and a Nuclear Weapons Employment Planning Guidance.”

"While the specific text of the Guidance is classified, its existence is in no way secret. The Guidance issued earlier this year is not a response to any single entity, country, nor threat," he added.

“While US intelligence estimates suggest China may increase the size of its nuclear arsenal from 500 to 1,000 warheads by 2030, Russia currently has some 4,000 nuclear warheads "and it remains the major driver behind U.S. nuclear strategy,” said Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-us-no-right-to-intervene-in-south-china-sea-disputes-751627">China warns US 'no right to intervene' in South China Sea disputes</a>

Kimball referenced June remarks made by Pranay Vaddi, the White House Senior Director for Arms Control, Disarmament, and Nonproliferation, who was one of the officials mentioned in the New York Times report.

According to those remarks, the US strategy was to pursue nuclear arms restraints with China and Russia, but if China continued on its current trajectory and if Russia exceeds New START limits, the US at some point in the future may need to consider adjustments to the size and makeup of its nuclear force, Kimball said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The White House stated on Tuesday (Aug 20) that a classified nuclear strategic plan approved by President Joe Biden this year is not directed at any specific country or threat.

The White House stated on Tuesday (Aug 20) that a classified nuclear strategic plan approved by President Joe Biden this year is not directed at any specific country or threat. This clarification followed a New York Times report claiming that the plan reoriented US deterrence strategy to focus on China's expanding nuclear arsenal for the first time. The US-based Arms Control Association said it understood U.S. nuclear weapons strategy and posture remained the same as described in the administration's 2022 Nuclear Posture Review, and there had been no reorientation away from Russia and toward China. Also read: Democrats say 'hi' to Harris, 'bye' to Biden at Democratic National Convention According to The New York Times, the White House has not publicly confirmed President Biden's approval of the revised nuclear strategy, known as the "Nuclear Employment Guidance." However, it's anticipated that a notification to Congress about the changes will be issued before Biden leaves office. NYT said that in recent speeches, two senior administration officials were allowed to allude to the strategy revision. It said the strategy is updated every four years or so. When asked about the report, White House spokesperson Sean Savett said, "Following the pattern set by the previous four administrations, this administration has issued a Nuclear Posture Review and a Nuclear Weapons Employment Planning Guidance.” "While the specific text of the Guidance is classified, its existence is in no way secret. The Guidance issued earlier this year is not a response to any single entity, country, nor threat," he added. “While US intelligence estimates suggest China may increase the size of its nuclear arsenal from 500 to 1,000 warheads by 2030, Russia currently has some 4,000 nuclear warheads "and it remains the major driver behind U.S. nuclear strategy,” said Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association. Also read: China warns US 'no right to intervene' in South China Sea disputes Kimball referenced June remarks made by Pranay Vaddi, the White House Senior Director for Arms Control, Disarmament, and Nonproliferation, who was one of the officials mentioned in the New York Times report. According to those remarks, the US strategy was to pursue nuclear arms restraints with China and Russia, but if China continued on its current trajectory and if Russia exceeds New START limits, the US at some point in the future may need to consider adjustments to the size and makeup of its nuclear force, Kimball said. (With inputs from agencies)

US’ secret nuclear strategy is not aimed at any specific country or threat: White House

Recent reports indicate a reorientation of US strategy to target China's rapidly expanding nuclear capabilities specifically. President Joe Biden has reportedly directed American forces to ready themselves for potential coordinated nuclear conflict, which he fears will come from Russia, China, and North Korea. An explosive report by The New York Times reveals that earlier this year, in March, Biden sanctioned a highly classified nuclear strategic plan which specifically focused on the Chinese threat.

China’s Expanding Atomic Arsenal Forces U.S. To Upgrades Secret Nuclear Plan

US is prepping for Nuclear conflicts with Russia, China and North Korea. Watch in for full details.

All about the US 'nuclear employment guidance row'

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