North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has renewed his commitment to expanding the country's nuclear weapons programme, declaring that Pyongyang will strengthen its nuclear forces at an "exponential rate."
The announcement came during an inspection of a newly revealed nuclear facility, where Kim praised scientists for significantly increasing the country's production of weapons-grade nuclear material.
According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim said North Korea's nuclear capabilities have advanced substantially over the past five years, strengthening the country's strategic deterrence.
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Nuclear capacity 'more than doubled'
During the visit, Kim claimed that North Korea's capacity to produce weapons-grade nuclear material has more than doubled compared to five years ago.
While state media released images of the visit, authorities did not disclose the location of the facility. Kim credited the country's nuclear scientists and engineers for the progress and said the expansion was necessary to address what he described as growing security challenges and unpredictable global developments.
X/ Polymart According to KCNA, the North Korean leader stressed the need to continue expanding the country's nuclear deterrent both quantitatively and qualitatively.
Growing concerns over North Korea's programme
The announcement is likely to draw fresh scrutiny from the international community, which has long expressed concern over North Korea's nuclear ambitions.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), North Korea is believed to operate at least two active uranium enrichment facilities, including sites at Yongbyon and Kangson.
The agency has repeatedly warned that Pyongyang continues to advance its nuclear capabilities despite international sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
North Korea remains outside the global nuclear safeguards system and has conducted multiple nuclear and ballistic missile tests over the past decade.
Timing adds to geopolitical significance
Kim's remarks come at a sensitive moment for global nuclear diplomacy. The announcement coincides with ongoing international efforts to address nuclear concerns elsewhere, particularly negotiations involving Iran's nuclear programme.
Analysts say North Korea's latest statements may be intended to signal strength amid shifting global security dynamics and growing geopolitical competition among major powers.
The public unveiling of a nuclear facility also represents a rare display of transparency from Pyongyang, although independent verification of the claims remains difficult.
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A message beyond North Korea's borders
Kim's latest declaration underscores North Korea's continued commitment to its nuclear strategy despite years of sanctions and diplomatic isolation.
By publicly highlighting increased production capacity and promising further expansion, the North Korean leader appears determined to reinforce the country's status as a nuclear-armed state. The development is expected to intensify international discussions about arms control, regional security and the future of efforts to curb nuclear proliferation.
For now, the message from Pyongyang is clear: North Korea is not signalling restraint. Instead, it is projecting confidence in a programme that remains one of the world's most closely watched security concerns.
