North Korea is significantly expanding its capability to produce nuclear weapons, according to Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Speaking during a visit to Seoul on Wednesday, Grossi said monitoring data indicates a rapid increase in nuclear-related activities at key North Korean facilities, particularly the Yongbyon nuclear complex. He noted that multiple uranium enrichment facilities are believed to be operational in the country, a critical stage in the production of nuclear warheads. The Yongbyon reactor, previously declared shut down after diplomatic discussions, was reportedly restarted in 2021. “In our regular assessments, we have observed a rapid increase in operations at the Yongbyon reactor,” Grossi said. He further added that activity has also increased at reprocessing units and light-water reactor facilities, alongside indications of new operational sites. “These developments point to a serious expansion in North Korea’s nuclear weapons production capability,
potentially amounting to dozens of warheads,” he warned. North Korea conducted its first nuclear test in 2006 and has since remained under strict United Nations sanctions due to its weapons program. The country has repeatedly stated that it will not abandon its nuclear arsenal and has barred international inspectors from entering since 2009. Grossi also revealed evidence suggesting the construction of a new facility similar to Yongbyon, although he emphasized that precise estimates of production capacity remain difficult without on-site inspections. “The external features of the site suggest a significant increase in enrichment capacity,” he said. Meanwhile, the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) reported that satellite imagery shows completion of a new building at Yongbyon, which could potentially be a uranium enrichment plant. Source: AFP