North Korea has built a new uranium enrichment facility, says nuclear watchdog

North Korea declared itself a nuclear power in 2022 and vowed never to relinquish its weapons. The IAEA reports that North Korea has constructed a new two-storey uranium enrichment facility at its main Yongbyon nuclear complex, capable of housing up to twenty-eight centrifuge cascades. Rafael Grossi, the IAEA director, described the continued production of weapons-grade material as a cause for serious concern.

Satellite imagery indicates that Pyongyang has also started operating an expanded annex at another enrichment site in Kangson, near the capital Pyongyang. The IAEA first noted the new Yongbyon building in June, with Kim Jong Un reportedly visiting a newly inaugurated nuclear materials production facility and praising the expanded production capacity. The agency also found indications that operations had begun at the Kangson site in January.

Grossi stated that North Korea’s nuclear program continues to violate UN Security Council resolutions, calling it deeply regrettable. South Korea’s president, Lee Jae Myung, proposed talks to end the war between North and South Korea, suggesting this could address North Korea’s nuclear advancements. North Korea has not responded to this proposal.

The IAEA had previously noted an expansion of Yongbyon’s capabilities in April, and the country is estimated to possess dozens of nuclear weapons, with production increasing annually.

Source: BBC