This is the DEFCON Warning System. Alert status for 2 P.M., Monday, March 1st, 2021.  Condition code is Green.  DEFCON 5.

There are currently no imminent nuclear threats at this time.

NATO is to deploy B-1 bombers to Norway for the first time as Russia builds up its forces in the Arctic.  Meanwhile, the United States has decided to freeze the troop drawdown in Germany, citing need for review.

Israel reports that Iran can enrich enough uranium for a bomb within four months and could develop a nuclear bomb within two years.  It should be noted that claims of Iranian progress on its nuclear programme have been frequent and often sensational.  Nevertheless, there is no doubt that Iran continues to advance its weapons programme.

Despite this, Iran has restated its policy against weapons of mass destruction, disavowing its minister’s warning that it might seek nuclear weapons if cornered.  However, Iran also says it could increase uranium enrichment to 60 percent, though it should be noted that such a statement does not necessarily mean they have the capability to.  The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) admitted that Iran is enriching uranium up to 20%, a technical step before weapons-grade enrichment.

The United States says it is open to talks about returning to the nuclear agreement, a move designed to “[return] to the status quo of the last few years before the last administration.”  Iran, for its part, has rejected informal talks with the United States, instead demanding sanctions relief over its nuclear programme.

The United States, despite hopes to the contrary by some, has stated that it will continue to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capitol.  Israel has expanded a nuclear facility previously used for weapons material, and the Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Centre in Israel is undergoing a new construction project, the details of which are unknown and undeclared.

Two U.S. carrier groups conduct joint exercises in the South China Sea.  China has denounced the United States for damaging peace and stability.  Meanwhile, India and China have agreed to withdraw thousands of their troops from the Pangong Tso glacial lake high in the Himalayas.

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 updates may be subject to delays. The next scheduled update is 2 P.M. Pacific Time, April 2nd, 2021. Additional updates will be made as the situation warrants, with more frequent updates at higher alert levels.

This concludes this update of the DEFCON Warning System.