The UN nuclear watchdog has warned that North Korea is significantly expanding its capacity to produce nuclear weapons. The alert was issued by International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi during a visit to Seoul. He cited increased activity at key nuclear facilities in the country.
Grossi said operations at the Yongbyon nuclear complex have intensified, including reactor and reprocessing activities. He also pointed to the activation of additional sites linked to enrichment operations. The developments suggest a broader expansion of North Korea’s nuclear program.
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North Korea is believed to operate multiple uranium enrichment facilities that are essential for nuclear warhead production. Estimates indicate the country may already possess dozens of nuclear weapons. The Yongbyon site, previously shut during negotiations, was reactivated in 2021.
The IAEA said it has observed construction of new facilities resembling existing enrichment plants. However, limited access prevents accurate assessment of the full scale of expansion. North Korea has not allowed inspectors entry since expelling them in 2009.
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North Korea conducted its first nuclear test in 2006 and remains under strict UN sanctions. The country continues to reject calls to abandon its nuclear program. The IAEA also said there is no confirmed evidence of Russian assistance despite growing geopolitical ties.