This is the DEFCON Warning System. Alert status for 2 P.M., Sunday, September 1st, 2019. Condition code is Green. DEFCON 5.

There are currently no imminent nuclear threats at this time.

The mysterious explosion in Russia on August 8 was not a nuclear explosion as many media outlets initially reported. While Russia has not been forthcoming on the details of the event, experts believe that an explosion on one of the vessels involved a missile recovery operation caused a reaction in the missile’s nuclear core which led to the radiation leak. Russia also has withheld radiation data, making evaluations difficult. However, based on the evidence that has been collected, the radiation exposure was minimal and non-life threatening for areas outside direct contamination. At this time, the DEFCON Warning System is unable to determine health risks and exposure for the area around the blast zone. There is, however, no danger to other countries.

South Korea had abandoned an intelligence-sharing programme with Japan due to a trade dispute which will set back U.S. efforts to bolster security cooperation in the area. North Korea is preparing a submarine capable of launching ballistic missiles.

In the Middle East, Iran is planning a new generation of centrifuges to boost enrichment, continuing their nuclear program. Russia, meanwhile, is to step up naval co-operation efforts with Iran, holding joint exercises in the Indian Ocean, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf before the end of the year.

Pakistan has downgraded diplomatic ties with India over recent India changes to Kashmir, and India has now wavered on its policy of No First Use for nuclear weapons, stating that it depends on “circumstances”.

The United States has test-fired a missile previously banned by now-expired INF treaty, which Russia has said it will respond to. Australia is to increase production of rare-earth materials for itself and allies as China threatens export restrictions on the vital elements.

The DEFCON Warning System is a private intelligence organization which has monitored and assessed nuclear threats by national entities since 1984. It is not affiliated with any government agency and does not represent the alert status of any military branch. The public should make their own evaluations and not rely on the DEFCON Warning System for any strategic planning. At all times, citizens are urged to learn what steps to take in the event of a nuclear attack. If this had been an actual attack, the DEFCON Warning System will give radiation readings for areas that are reported to it. Your readings will vary. Official news sources will have radiation readings for your area.

For immediate updates, go to www.defconwarningsystem.com. Breaking news and important information can be found on the DEFCON Warning System community forum and on the DEFCON Twitter feed DEFCONWSAlerts. You may also subscribe to the DEFCON Warning System mailing list. Note that Twitter and You Tube updates may be subject to delays. The next scheduled update is 2 P.M. Pacific Time, October 1st, 2019. Additional updates will be made as the situation warrants, with more frequent updates at higher alert levels.

This concludes this broadcast of the DEFCON Warning System.