December 20, 2015 Western diplomats reportedly back off requiring Iran to promptly disclose pre-2003 nuclear weapons work U.S. and Western diplomats say they are willing to accept a nuclear deal with Iran that doesn't require Tehran to immediately disclose alleged work on atomic weapons prior to 2003, when the program first came to light.
December 20, 2015 Pentagon says US 'able to respond' if needed after Iran seizes cargo ship The Pentagon said Wednesday that the U.S. would "be able to respond" if necessary to help a Marshall Islands-flagged ship that was diverted, and boarded, a day earlier by Iran -- though it remains unclear how far the U.S. Navy might be willing to go if the tense situation escalates.
December 20, 2015 Former US commander calls for nuclear missiles to be taken off high alert A former commander of U.S. nuclear forces says taking U.S. and Russian missiles off high alert might keep a possible cyberattack from starting a nuclear war, although neither country appears willing to increase the lead-time to prepare the weapons for launch.
December 20, 2015 Sen. Cotton calls out Iranian foreign minister on Twitter, calls for debate Sen. Tom Cottton, R-Ark., responded angrily Wednesday to a verbal swipe made by Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, taking to Twitter to respond to the Iranian and to challenge him to a debate.
December 20, 2015 China reportedly issues new warning over North Korean nuclear production Chinese nuclear experts reportedly warned the U.S. earlier this year that North Korea's nuclear arsenal is larger than previously estimated, creating a heightened security threat to the U.S. and its East Asian allies.
December 20, 2015 North Korea should learn from Iran negotiations, senior US official says A senior U.S. official said Tuesday that North Korea should learn from the emerging nuclear deal with Iran that Washington is willing to engage its adversaries if it has a “credible” partner to negotiate with.
December 20, 2015 Obama suggests possible compromise on Iran sanctions President Obama suggested on Friday that Iran could receive significant economic relief immediately after concluding a deal to curb its nuclear program, a gesture towards one of Tehran’s key demands.
December 20, 2015 Senate GOP to shorten congressional review period on Iran nuke deal to court Democratic votes Senate Republicans have agreed to scale back a bill intended to give Congress the authority to weigh in on a final Iran nuclear deal so that they can get more support for the legislation from chamber Democrats.
December 20, 2015 Senate panel votes Tuesday on Iran bill that gives Congress say on nuclear deal How much say Congress has on a possible nuclear deal with Iran will be tested Tuesday as a controversial bill goes up for a vote in the Senate Foreign Relations committee.
December 20, 2015 Obama talks tough on Iran nuclear deal, McCain responds President Obama said Saturday that partisan wrangling over the nuclear agreement with Iran has gone beyond pale and said the harsh criticism of the deal “needs to stop.”