The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that North Korea has constructed a new two-storey uranium enrichment facility, according to a report published late last month. The facility is part of the main Yongbyon nuclear complex and is reportedly capable of housing up to 28 centrifuge cascades used to enrich uranium. The IAEA, which has no inspectors in North Korea since its expulsion in 2009, relies on satellite imagery for assessments.

The report highlights a steady expansion of North Korea's sanctioned nuclear infrastructure, with the agency also noting the start of operations at an expanded annex at another enrichment site. IAEA director Rafael Grossi described the developments as a 'clear violation' of UN Security Council resolutions, expressing 'deep regret' over the continuation of the DPRK's nuclear programme.

The IAEA first mentioned the existence of the building in June, though Grossi had previously raised the possibility. In June, the agency reported that Kim Jong Un visited a 'newly inaugurated nuclear materials production factory' on 3 June, which it identified as the Yongbyon enrichment facility. Kim praised the country's 'greatly expanded production capacity', according to the agency's report.

Despite being one of the poorest countries in the world, North Korea spends millions annually on its nuclear programme. A 2022 report by a non-proliferation think-tank estimated this figure at $640m. Edward Howell, a lecturer at the University of Oxford, told the BBC that the concern lies in the unknown and concealed nature of many of North Korea's facilities, which makes them difficult to target.

The IAEA also indicated that operations may have started at another enrichment facility in Kangson, near Pyongyang, in January 2024. An annex was first constructed there in 2024. The agency had previously noted in April that North Korea appears to be increasing its ability to produce nuclear bombs, monitoring the apparent expansion of Yongbyon.

Under Kim Jong Un, North Korea's nuclear programme has accelerated, with the country conducting six nuclear weapons tests, the last in September 2017. The country has also fired numerous intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) since 2017. In August, South Korea's president, Lee Jae Myung, proposed talks with North Korea on officially ending the war between the two countries, suggesting the possibility of using such discussions to address the North's nuclear advancements. North Korea has yet to respond to the proposal.

North Korea declared itself a nuclear power in 2022 and vowed never to relinquish its weapons, which are estimated to number in the dozens. Lee previously stated that Pyongyang produces 15 to 20 more warheads annually and expressed support for a deal between former US President Donald Trump and Kim to freeze production.