North Korea’s covert nuclear weapons program is rapidly advancing, according to the head of the United Nations’ atomic agency. Rafael Grossi expressed concerns about the escalating threat North Korea poses to global stability as it enhances its nuclear arsenal. He highlighted the lack of clear insight into the country’s nuclear weapons program, which has made significant progress despite enduring international sanctions.

In an interview with The Telegraph, the director general of the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency cautioned that the world faces the risk of a new nuclear arms race due to North Korea’s swift developments. Grossi emphasized the country’s ambitious ballistic missile program and its rapid expansion in related areas.

Under Kim Jong Un’s leadership, North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency stated that the country has significantly strengthened its “war deterrence”, with nuclear forces as a focal point. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimated that North Korea possesses approximately 50 nuclear warheads, with the capacity to produce up to 40 more.

North Korea has been conducting prohibited tests of intercontinental missiles regularly. Recently, it announced the test-launch of ballistic missiles with cluster bomb warheads, marking the second such test in a month. The launches were observed by Kim Jong Un and his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, which raised speculation about her potential succession.

The missiles launched by North Korea included upgraded surface-to-surface Hwasong-11 Ra ballistic missiles with cluster bomb warheads and fragmentation mine warheads. Kim expressed satisfaction with the launches, emphasizing the military significance of enhancing striking capabilities.

While over 120 countries have signed a treaty banning the use of cluster munitions, North Korea, along with Iran, Israel, and the US, are not among the signatories. On the other hand, 191 states have signed the 1970 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, with notable nuclear-weapon states like the US, Russia, the UK, France, and China as key parties. However, the treaty does not encompass nuclear-armed nations such as India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea.