Overview

• North Korean state media said Kim Jong Un held a Sept. 26 meeting with nuclear scientists and directed increased production of nuclear material and weapons.
• Kim was quoted as asserting that maintaining peace through nuclear force is the regime’s fixed position, with nuclear-technology development designated a top priority.
• Rodong Sinmun reported instructions to deliver notable research results and production gains ahead of the next Workers’ Party congress.
• Speaking in New York on Sept. 25, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung said the North likely already holds enough nuclear weapons for regime survival.
• Lee assessed ICBM development as near its final stage with re-entry technology remaining and warned output could grow by about 15–20 warheads annually, citing recent propulsion work including a reported final engine burn test.