North Korea has constructed a new two-storey uranium enrichment facility at its Yongbyon nuclear complex, capable of housing 28 centrifuge cascades, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The watchdog expressed serious concern over the expansion of North Korea's nuclear program, calling it a violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
The expansion of North Korea's uranium enrichment capabilities raises concerns about its ability to produce more weapons-grade material, potentially increasing the number of nuclear warheads and escalating regional tensions.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that North Korea has constructed a new two-storey uranium enrichment facility at its main Yongbyon nuclear complex. The agency stated that the building is capable of housing up to twenty-eight centrifuge cascades, which are used to enrich uranium.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi described the continuing production of weapons-grade material as a cause for "serious concern." The watchdog also indicated that North Korea has begun operating an expanded annex at another enrichment site in Kangson, near the capital Pyongyang. These findings, derived from satellite imagery and open-source information, suggest a steady expansion of North Korea's nuclear infrastructure.
The IAEA first noted the existence of the new building at Yongbyon in June, with a report released this week detailing that leader Kim Jong Un had reportedly visited a "newly inaugurated nuclear materials production factory" on June 3. According to the IAEA report, Kim praised the country's "greatly expanded production capacity," which would "offer the possibility of carrying out larger plans."
Grossi stated in a release that "the continuation and further development of the DPRK's nuclear programme are clear violations of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and are deeply regrettable." In August, South Korean defence minister Ahn Gyu-back said the North possessed between 80 and 120 nuclear warheads, based on estimates by private research organizations.
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