The following are some of the key arms control dates and developments to watch in the coming week. 
For more news and analysis on these and other weapons-related security issues, consider subscribing to ACA's monthly journal Arms Control Today, which is available in print/digital and digital-only editions.
- written and compiled by Tim Farnsworth
May 3-May 8: IAEA Officials Visit Two Iran Nuclear Sites
According to Reuters, the Iranian news agency, ISNA, is reporting that "a senior inspector from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will visit the Saghand uranium mine in central Iran and the Ardakan milling plant, where the ore is separated from other elements." The inspections will take place at the same time the P5+1 (China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and Iran technical talks are ongoing in New York. The next round of negotiations between P5+1/Iran political directors is set to take place in Vienna on May 13-14.
For an in-depth look at the current state of the P5+1 talks with Iran, see:
- "Iran Claims Progress on Nuclear Deal," by Kelsey Davenport, Arms Control Today, May 2014. NEW
- "Iran, P5+1 Hold 'Constructive' Talks," by Kelsey Davenport, Arms Control Today, April 2014.
- "Implementation of the Joint Plan of Action at a Glance," Arms Control Association Fact Sheet.
May 3-May 8: India Likely Tests Missile Interceptor
According to The Times of India, officials in India's Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) will test another test of its missile interceptor system. India has conducted six interceptor tests, however, this is the first long-distance test (beyond 100km). The previous six tests were of a much shorter range, 20-30km. For more information about India's nuclear and missile capabilities, checkout the following resources:
- "Arms Control and Nonproliferation Profile: India," Fact Sheet, Arms Control Association
- "Indian Missile Defense Program Advances," by Eric Auner, Arms Control Today, January/February 2013
- "Stemming the Spread of Missiles: Hits, Misses, and Hard Cases," by Aaron Karp, Arms Control Today, April 2012
May 3-May 9: 2014 NPT PrepCom Meeting Comes to a Close
Representatives of the states parties to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty have been meeting at UN headquarters in New York for their final preparatory meeting before the 2015 Review Conference. The PrepCom, which began on April 28, will come to a close on May 9.
See the Reaching Critical Will Web site for a full listing of statements and documents. For further analysis on the debate about implementation of the NPT, see:
- "Nuclear Weapons Modernization: A Threat to the NPT?" by Hans. Kristensen, Arms Control Today, May 2014 (subscription required). NEW
- "Rough Seas Ahead: Issues for the 2015 NPT Review Conference," by Gaukhar Mukhatzhanova, Arms Control Today, April 2014.
May 7: House Armed Services Markup of Defense Authorization Bill
The House Armed Services Committee is expected to markup the defense authorization bill, H.R. 4435, which includes nuclear weapons and nonproliferation programs, including the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). The House may begin debate and hold votes on the bill the week of May 19.
The bill deals with a number of key programs, including NNSA warhead life-extension programs, missile defense programs, nuclear delivery system modernization projects. and implementation of the New START Treaty. For more information, see:
- "Future of '3+2' Warhead Plan in Doubt," by Tom Z. Collina, Arms Control Today, May 2014. NEW
- "Missile Defense Budget Holds Steady," by Eric Auner, Arms Control Today, April 2014.
- "Nuclear Modernization in an Age of Austerity," Amy Woolf, Arms Control Today, March 2014.