North Korea has significantly enhanced its nuclear weapons production capabilities, including likely establishing a new uranium enrichment facility, as observed through heightened activities at a crucial site, according to Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Enriching uranium is seen as a potent method to acquire weapons-grade material alongside reprocessing spent plutonium from a nuclear reactor.
Grossi, speaking in Seoul, confirmed a notable surge in operations at the five-megawatt reactor, the reprocessing unit, a light water reactor, and other structures within North Korea’s Yongbyon nuclear complex. The country’s nuclear program, estimated to possess a few dozen warheads, displayed increased activity, such as the functioning of a light water reactor and the activation of various facilities besides Yongbyon.
The IAEA chief emphasized the gravity of North Korea’s advancements in nuclear weapons production, pointing out the development of a new facility resembling Yongbyon’s uranium enrichment halls. Satellite imagery analysis revealed a substantial expansion of enrichment capacity within the new facility, supporting the IAEA’s assessment.
Grossi highlighted that there was no evidence of Russian technology involvement in North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, with any cooperation likely limited to civilian nuclear projects based on a pact signed last year. He cautioned against the pursuit of nuclear weapons for security reasons, as it could lead to proliferation concerns.
Shifting focus to South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine initiative, Grossi urged Seoul to collaborate closely with the IAEA to mitigate proliferation risks, with formal discussions set to commence. He stressed the need to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation, especially in naval reactors where nuclear fuel can remain uninspected for extended periods during submarine missions.
The advancement of South Korea’s submarine plans followed agreements between President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump last November, which included Washington’s approval of South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine construction project. Grossi emphasized the necessity of ensuring strict controls to prevent any diversion of nuclear materials, seeking an “ironclad guarantee” against proliferation risks.