North Korea expands uranium enrichment with new two-storey facility

The International Atomic Energy Agency said it has detected a two-storey structure at the Yongbyon nuclear facility that appears designed for uranium enrichment activities. The discovery marks another step in North Korea's continued expansion of its nuclear capabilities despite international sanctions and diplomatic efforts to curb the programme.

IAEA officials characterised the development as a matter of "serious concern," underscoring the watchdog's assessment that Pyongyang remains committed to advancing its nuclear arsenal. The new building's construction aligns with previous intelligence suggesting North Korea has persistently worked to improve its enrichment capacity and weapons production.

The facility at Yongbyon, which has long served as the centrepiece of North Korea's nuclear programme, has undergone multiple expansions and renovations in recent years. Satellite imagery and IAEA monitoring have documented ongoing activity at the complex despite international pressure to abandon nuclear weapons development.

The revelation adds to mounting evidence that North Korea has made little progress toward denuclearisation. Diplomatic talks between Pyongyang and Western nations have stalled, leaving the regime free to advance its military ambitions without significant constraints.