Overview
- IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, speaking in Seoul on Wednesday, said North Korea likely holds several dozen nuclear warheads after a rapid buildout.
- Grossi reported a surge in activity at the Yongbyon complex, citing the 5‑megawatt reactor, the spent‑fuel reprocessing unit, and a light‑water reactor back in operation.
- The agency has observed construction of a new uranium‑enrichment plant modeled on known sites, and April imagery analyzed by CSIS supported this by pointing to a likely completed facility.
- Grossi said the agency has seen no evidence that Russian technology is being used in North Korea’s nuclear program.
- The IAEA invited South Korea to begin formal talks on safeguards for planned nuclear‑propulsion submarines, since reactor fuel on long missions can remain sealed and outside routine inspection.