North Korea is demonstrating a "very serious increase" in its atomic weapon production capabilities, according to the head of the UN nuclear watchdog.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi stated during a visit to Seoul that periodic assessments confirm a rapid escalation in operations at the Yongbyon reactor and its associated reprocessing unit and light-water reactor. He noted the activation of other facilities, pointing to a significant rise in North Korea's (DPRK) nuclear weapons production capabilities.
The agency also observed the construction of a new facility similar to Yongbyon's enrichment plant, indicating a substantial increase in the DPRK's uranium enrichment capacity. Satellite imagery from April supports these findings, showing a completed building at Yongbyon with essential infrastructure for an enrichment plant.
Grossi stated the IAEA has not observed any specific evidence of Russian assistance in North Korea's nuclear development. While expressing hope that any cooperation would be civilian, he deemed it too early to make a judgment.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun reiterated that Pyongyang's nuclear program remains a key issue for the IAEA. Meanwhile, naval commanders from South Korea, the United States, and Japan convened in Seoul for maritime security talks focused on deterring North Korea's escalating nuclear and missile threats.