IAEA chief says North Korea expanding nuclear weapons capacity

Rafael Grossi said North Korea is significantly expanding its capacity to produce nuclear weapons, citing increased activity across multiple key facilities.

Speaking in Seoul, Grossi said the International Atomic Energy Agency has observed rapid growth in operations at several nuclear sites, indicating an accelerating weapons program.

He highlighted increased activity at the five-megawatt reactor, reprocessing facilities, and a light-water reactor at the Yongbyon nuclear complex, a central hub of Pyongyang’s nuclear efforts.

Grossi said these developments suggest North Korea’s nuclear arsenal has expanded to potentially include dozens of warheads, reflecting a significant escalation in its capabilities.

He warned that the continued expansion of the program poses a serious threat to regional and global security, particularly as tensions remain high in Northeast Asia.

North Korea has long pursued nuclear weapons despite international sanctions, and its refusal to cooperate with the IAEA has made monitoring and verification increasingly difficult.

The Yongbyon complex remains at the core of the country’s nuclear program, with ongoing operations there closely watched by global powers concerned about proliferation risks.

Grossi urged the international community to adopt a more coordinated response, warning that unchecked nuclear expansion could further destabilize the region and undermine global non-proliferation efforts.

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