Vienna: North Korea is sharply expanding its ability to produce nuclear weapons, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has warned, raising fresh concerns about global security.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said there are clear signs of increased activity at North Korea’s main nuclear site at Yongbyon nuclear complex. The site has long been at the centre of the country’s nuclear programme.
According to the agency, operations appear to be ongoing at key facilities including a five megawatt reactor and a reprocessing plant. There are also indications that a light water reactor is active. These facilities can produce materials used in nuclear weapons.
The IAEA has also observed signs that a new uranium enrichment facility may have been completed. Experts say such a facility could significantly increase the country’s ability to produce weapons grade nuclear material at a faster pace.
Estimates suggest that North Korea may already possess dozens of nuclear warheads, with some assessments placing the number at around fifty or more. The expansion of enrichment capacity could allow the country to build its stockpile more quickly in the coming years.
Satellite imagery from independent analysts has supported these findings, showing continued construction and possible operation of new facilities linked to uranium enrichment.
Despite growing concerns, Grossi said there is no evidence that Russia is directly supporting North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme. However, some level of cooperation in civilian nuclear areas cannot be ruled out.
North Korea has repeatedly declared that its status as a nuclear weapons state is permanent. Leader Kim Jong Un has made clear that strengthening nuclear forces remains a key part of national defence policy.
At the same time, the country continues to develop missile systems that could carry nuclear weapons, pointing to a broader strategy of strengthening both weapons production and delivery capability.
The latest developments have raised concern among countries in East Asia and beyond, including South Korea and Japan. Diplomatic efforts to restart talks on denuclearisation remain stalled, with little sign of progress.
The IAEA’s warning highlights a growing challenge for the international community as North Korea moves from maintaining its nuclear capability to expanding it at a faster pace.