Norway and France Discuss Extended Nuclear Deterrence
During the first week of June 2026, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced that “together with some of our closest partners and Allies, Norway will be discussing in more detail how France’s nuclear weapons can further enhance European security and deterrence.” Shortly after Støre’s announcement, recent NATO-admit Finland announced that it too had initiated discussions with France regarding extended nuclear deterrence, making it the tenth European country to do so.
U.S.-Iran Close in on Potential ‘Memorandum of Understanding’
On Thursday, June 11, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he had “canceled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran [planned for that] evening,” because the final parts of an agreement had been approved by “all parties involved,” including the U.S. and Middle East countries, although Iran was not among those he listed. The agreement, which many speculate will be signed early next week, would pave the way to further negotiations for a lasting U.S.-Iran deal.
U.S. Energy Dept. Says Advanced Nuclear Reactor First to Reach Critical Milestone
Secretary Chris Wright of the United States Department of Energy announced on June 4,2026, that a microreactor being developed by Antares Nuclear Inc. at Idaho National Labs reached “criticality.” The milestone occurs when a nuclear reactor achieves a self-sustaining chain reaction capable of producing a steady release of energy. Antares is the first private company to bring an advanced nuclear reactor to criticality under President Trump’s pilot program to supercharge domestic nuclear energy production.
Chile and Argentina Sign Nuclear Cooperation Agreement
In the latest of a string of agreements between the two South American countries since 1976, Argentina and Chile have agreed to collaborate on research reactors, radiopharmaceuticals, applications of nuclear technology in health, agriculture, industry and mining as well as other areas.