UN: The expansion of the DPRK’s nuclear weapons program undermines the global non-proliferation regime

In her briefing to the UN Security Council on Thursday, Ms. DiCarlo noted that the country’s new “five-year military development plan,” which began this year, aims to introduce “New secret arsenals and special strategic assets, including land- and underwater-launched intercontinental ballistic missile complexes.”

She indicated that North Korea continued launching ballistic missiles throughout 2025 and early this year, and last month it also tested ballistic missiles equipped with what it calls “Cluster warheads and warheads containing fragmentation mines.” Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency warned of a “very serious increase” in the country’s ability to produce fissile material at the Yongbyon nuclear site.

DiCarlo stressed that the DPRK’s continuation of its nuclear and ballistic weapons programs constitutes a violation of Security Council resolutions. “It undermines the global regime for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.” She stressed the need for all countries to adhere to the sanctions imposed by the Security Council in the context of their relations with North Korea.

It called on the country to fully comply with its international obligations, incl The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards, and the signing and ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

added: “At this critical juncture, it is necessary to stress the urgent need to reduce nuclear risks, prevent any use of nuclear weapons, and work toward their complete elimination.”

Regarding the broader security landscape on the Korean Peninsula, the Under-Secretary-General said that the situation remains tense, “Amid escalating military activities, limited paths for inter-Korean and regional dialogue, and growing concerns about possible errors of judgment.”

She stressed that the only way to permanently reduce tensions and dispel fears is to achieve sustainable peace and complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. She concluded by saying: “Dialogue and diplomacy are indispensable elements for achieving this goal, and we welcome any efforts made in this regard.”