After Dustup, N. Korea Boots Nuke Inspectors

IAEA investigating suspicions of tampering

(NEWSER) - Some of the International Atomic Energy Agency's top experts think Iranians hacked their cell phones and laptops, diplomats tell the AP. The incident is believed to have occurred earlier this year, when the diplomats left the equipment unattended during an inspection tour in Iran. The watchdog group became suspicious later on, when an inspector reported "unusual events" suggesting his equipment had been tampered with. The IAEA is still investigating these suspicions. More»

Stalemate seen as Ahmadinejad refuses more negotiations

(NEWSER) - Iran looks set to face another round of international sanctions as nuclear talks have reached an impasse and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad refuses to discuss a compromise, reports the Guardian. Mohamed ElBaradei, who heads the UN nuclear watchdog, said today Iran has not suspended enrichment activities and continues to be uncooperative with the agency. "There is stalemate," the Nobel Prize winner said. More»

(NEWSER) - North Korea is demanding an apology from the UN Security Council for condemning its rocket test this month, threatening more tests of nuclear and conventional missiles if it is not mollified, the Guardian reports. Pyongyang demanded the council drop its resolutions against North Korean military tests. The South Korean government accused the North of “directly challenging” the international community More»

UN sanctions will derail disarmament talks: Pyongyang

(NEWSER) - As the date of a promised “satellite launch” nears, North Korea has placed a long-range ballistic missile on the launch pad used for earlier test firings, Reuters reports. South Korea, Japan, and the US plan to seek UN sanctions if the nuclear power goes forward with what analysts believe will really be the test of a three-stage rocket that could reach as far as Alaska. More»

Pyongyang to detail activities; expected to get off US terror list

(NEWSER) - Kim Jong-Il has reportedly agreed in six-party talks to begin disabling his nuclear facilities and revealing program details. In return—though not part of the agreement—the US will fast-track North Korea's removal from its terrorism list. The terms show new flexibility from a waning Bush administration, as well as relief from sanctions for Pyongyang, the Post reports. More»