Khaberni - The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has warned that North Korea has made very serious progress in its ability to produce more nuclear weapons, indicating another sign of Pyongyang's efforts to bolster its nuclear arsenal as a guarantee of the regime's survival.
According to a report by "The Guardian", the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, stated that the activity within the main nuclear complex in Yongbyon has seen a rapid increase, confirming intensified work at a 5-megawatt reactor, reprocessing facilities, a light water reactor, and other facilities related to the nuclear program.
North Korea's arsenal is estimated to consist of about 50 nuclear warheads, though some experts doubt Pyongyang's ability to miniaturize warheads sufficiently to mount them on long-range ballistic missiles, according to The Guardian.
The acceleration of the nuclear program
Since its first nuclear test in 2006, North Korea has developed nuclear and missile capabilities including intercontinental ballistic missiles theoretically capable of reaching the United States.
Under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, the nuclear program has accelerated despite international sanctions, a step observers see as aiming to deter any external attempt to change the regime.
A report by Beyond Parallel, affiliated with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, indicated that satellite images show the completion of a new building for uranium enrichment at Yongbyon nearing operational readiness, in addition to another undisclosed facility near the Kangson site close to Pyongyang.
The report noted that operating these facilities could lead to a significant increase in the number of nuclear weapons North Korea could possess.
Clear violation of Security Council resolutions
Grossi described North Korea's nuclear program as a clear violation of the international Security Council's resolutions, confirming the agency's ongoing readiness to verify nuclear activities if allowed to do so.
Although North Korea has not conducted a nuclear test since 2017, it has continued to develop missile technologies and increase its nuclear stockpile, in line with the leadership’s commitment to accelerating the nuclear arms process.
Diplomatic efforts to limit the nuclear program have stumbled after the failure of the summits between the North Korean leader and former U.S. President Donald Trump, alongside deteriorating relations between Pyongyang and Seoul.
At the beginning of the year, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stated that North Korea produces enough material to build between 10 and 20 nuclear weapons annually, warning that possessing a future nuclear surplus could pose a global risk if it spreads beyond its borders.
Pyongyang has so far refused attempts to resume dialogue between the Koreas.
