North Korea says its nuclear test will be ready "soon" (Second Coming Watch Update #83)

North Korea says its nuclear test will be ready "soon". According to Reuters, a senior source with close ties to Pyongyang and Beijing says North Korea has almost completed preparations for a third nuclear test which will draw further international condemnation following a failed rocket launch if it goes ahead. The North appears to be about to carry out a third nuclear test after two in 2006 and 2009. This is the first time a senior official has confirmed the planned test.

Iran claims it has full control over all operations in the Persian Gulf. According to the Fars News Agency, the Commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, Ali Fadavi, stressed that his forces have domination and control over the US Navy ships in the Persian Gulf, and said that the American naval forces need Iran's permission for any move in the regional waters. Fadavi said, "Today, Americans admit and acknowledge that the Persian Gulf is under the tight control of the Iranian Navy. This doesn't mean inspection (of their ships), but controlling (them). That is to say, they have to receive our permission and account to us for any move they want to make."

The Bible says in Mark 13:8: "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows."