North Korea has for the first time released images of a facility producing weapons-grade uranium at a time when Kim Jong Un ordered an “exponential increase” in the number of nuclear weapons. The photos, shared by state media, show Kim, dressed in black, walking among long rows of tall gray tubes, receiving briefings from scientists and military officials. This is the first time North Korea has revealed its uranium enrichment facility since 2010. Experts say the move could be aimed at putting pressure on the US and its allies and influencing the US presidential elections in November. During his visit, Kim expressed his satisfaction with North Korea's nuclear technology and emphasized the need to increase the number of centrifuges. He also observed test firings of nuclear-capable rockets in recent days and visited the training base of a special operations group. South Korea's Unification Ministry strongly condemned North Korea's moves, saying they pose a serious threat to international peace. Experts say the released images could be a valuable source for estimating the amount of nuclear material North Korea has produced. The photos show about 1,000 centrifuges, which are estimated to be capable of producing about 20-25 kilograms of highly enriched uranium per year. Estimates of how many nuclear bombs North Korea could add each year range from six to 18. Since 2022, the country has increased its weapons testing activities to expand its nuclear missile arsenal targeting the United States and South Korea.
