Overview
- Kim Yo-jong told state media on Sept. 17 that North Korea’s position as a nuclear weapons state is irreversible and mocked calls for denuclearization as foolish.
- The IAEA’s latest Safeguards Report released at its General Conference identified a substantial increase in uranium enrichment capacity and expanded core nuclear facilities in North Korea.
- A senior DPRK vice‑defence minister said at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum that US‑led military and trilateral moves justify continued expansion of Pyongyang’s nuclear forces.
- Pyongyang warned it would “mobilise all means available” and take stronger measures if US‑led drills or allied actions cross perceived red lines, citing recent Pacific Vanguard naval exercises.
- The IAEA has had no on‑site inspectors in North Korea since April 2009, so assessments rely on satellite and open‑source imagery, a gap that analysts say Pyongyang is using to cement its stance while keeping talks with Washington possible.