1. According to the Associated Press, North Korea's top governing body warned that the regime will conduct its third nuclear test in defiance of U.N. punishment, and made clear that its long-range rockets are designed to carry not only satellites but also warheads aimed at striking the United States.
2. According to Reuters, Russia warned Israel and the West against launching military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities but suggested Tehran should be quicker to cooperate over inspections of its nuclear sites.
3. According to The Associated Press, the top commander of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard insists his forces control shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the gateway for one fifth of the world's oil.
4. According to Fox News, four American F-16 fighter jets have been sent to Egypt as part of a foreign aid package that critics say should have been scrapped when the nation elected a leader who has called the U.S. President a liar and urged that hatred of Jews be instilled in children.
5. According to The Associated Press, Palestinians plan to reassure Israel's public that they are partners for peace, after a strong showing of Israeli moderates in parliament elections ended the domination of hawkish parties.
SecondComingHerald.com
This browser does not support the video element.