Activity at North Korea’s light water reactor raises ‘serious concerns,’ US says
IAEA chief cites water discharge as evidence of operation, as experts assess reactor could produce plutonium for nukes
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects mass-produced Hwasan-31 nuclear warheads | Image: KCNA (March 28, 2023)
The U.S. has expressed concern over North Korea’s operation of a new light water reactor at its nuclear complex, after the global agency regulating nuclear development reported increased activity at the facility.
Experts have assessed that the reactor could help Pyongyang produce weapons-grade plutonium, which is considered desirable for compact warheads in weapons like its tactical nuclear missiles.
The U.S. has expressed concern over North Korea’s operation of a new light water reactor at its nuclear complex, after the global agency regulating nuclear development reported increased activity at the facility.
Experts have assessed that the reactor could help Pyongyang produce weapons-grade plutonium, which is considered desirable for compact warheads in weapons like its tactical nuclear missiles.
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