WHAT IS NORTH KOREA MAKING? IAEA Chief Confirms Sharp Increase in Productivity of Five-Megawatt Reactor at Yongbyon Nuclear Complex
North Korea has made "very serious" advances in nuclear weapons production and may be opening a new uranium enrichment facility, the United Nations atomic energy agency (IAEA) said today.
TL;DR
- IAEA chief Rafael Grossi confirmed a sharp increase in productivity at the Yongbyon nuclear complex's five-megawatt reactor, reprocessing unit, and other facilities.
- North Korea's nuclear program is estimated to possess several dozen warheads, with growing activity observed in parts of the complex.
- The IAEA is closely monitoring a new building at Yongbyon that resembles a uranium enrichment facility.
- No evidence of Russian technology in North Korea's nuclear program has been detected; a cooperation agreement appears limited to civilian projects.
- Grossi warned that pursuing nuclear weapons would not increase a nation's security and could lead to proliferation.
- South Korea was urged by the IAEA chief to cooperate more closely to avoid and deter proliferation risks, particularly concerning its nuclear-powered submarine program.