North Korea’s covert nuclear weapons program is progressing rapidly, according to the head of the United Nations’ nuclear agency. Rafael Grossi expressed concerns about North Korea’s expanding nuclear arsenal, highlighting the lack of clear insight that the UN has into the country’s nuclear activities. Despite longstanding international sanctions, North Korea’s nuclear program has advanced swiftly in recent years.
In an interview with The Telegraph, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency cautioned that the world faces a potential new nuclear arms race due to the growing nuclear capabilities of North Korea and China. Grossi emphasized North Korea’s rapid advancements in both nuclear and ballistic missile programs, noting the country’s ambitious pursuits in these areas.
Under Kim Jong Un’s leadership, North Korea has reportedly made significant enhancements to its nuclear capabilities, with estimates suggesting the country currently possesses around 50 nuclear warheads and has the capacity to produce more. The nation has been conducting prohibited tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles, including recent launches with cluster bomb warheads, raising international concerns.
Recent reports from the Korean Central News Agency detailed missile launches overseen by Kim Jong Un, with his daughter Kim Ju Ae also present. These launches involved upgraded ballistic missiles fitted with cluster bomb warheads, demonstrating North Korea’s efforts to enhance its military capabilities. Despite global treaties banning the use of cluster munitions, certain countries including North Korea, Iran, Israel, and the US have not signed such agreements.
While the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty has been signed by the majority of nations, it does not cover nuclear-armed states such as India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea. The treaty aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament, with major nuclear-weapon states like Russia, the US, the UK, France, and China holding the majority of the world’s nuclear warheads.
