The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has disclosed that North Korea has constructed a new two‑storey uranium enrichment building within the main Yongbyon nuclear complex, describing the development as a "serious concern". Satellite imagery, the agency’s sole source of intelligence after being expelled from the country in 2009, suggests the structure could accommodate up to 28 centrifuge cascades for uranium enrichment.
IAEA Director Rafael Grossi said the continuation and further development of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s nuclear programme constitute clear violations of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. In a statement released earlier this week, Grossi urged the international community to recognise the deepening breach of non‑proliferation norms.
The agency noted that in early June, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a "newly inaugurated nuclear materials production factory" on 3 June, which the IAEA identified as the Yongbyon enrichment facility. Kim praised the "greatly expanded production capacity" of the site, suggesting it would enable larger‑scale nuclear plans.
The Yongbyon build is part of a wider pattern of expansion. The IAEA reported that operations appear to have begun at another enrichment facility in Kangson, near Pyongyang, following the construction of an annex in 2024 and its activation in January this year. Earlier in April, the agency warned that North Korea was stepping up its ability to produce nuclear weapons, monitoring the apparent growth of Yongbyon.
North Korea declared itself a nuclear‑armed state in 2022 and has indicated it will never relinquish its arsenal, which is estimated to contain dozens of warheads. The regime has conducted six nuclear tests, the last in September 2017, and has accelerated missile development, including numerous intercontinental ballistic missile trials. South Korean President Lee Jae‑Myung has proposed talks to formally end the Korean War and use the venue to discuss ways to curb the North’s nuclear capabilities, though Pyongyang has not responded.
Oxford University lecturer Edward Howell warned that many of North Korea’s nuclear facilities remain concealed, making them difficult to target. He cited Kangson as an example and stressed that the integration of nuclear doctrine into the country’s foreign and domestic policy suggests further undisclosed sites may exist.
Category: International
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