1. New Enrichment Facility: Commercial satellite imagery from October and November 2025 indicated that construction and outfitting of a new suspected uranium enrichment facility is nearing completion. Based on the imagery, authors suggest that the facility is being prepared for operation.
2. Reactor Operation and Testing: The 5 Megawatt-Electric (MWe) Reactor continued to operate consistently. The Experimental Light Water Reactor (ELWR) was observed undergoing pre-operational testing.
3. Waste Storage Expansion: Construction of a semi-buried radioactive waste storage facility continued near the Old Waste Site, which aligns with North Korea's directive to expand its nuclear material production capacity.
From the November 2025 IAEA Board of Governors meeting:
The European Union's statement noted that the "continued preparedness of the Punggye-Ri testing facilities to support a nuclear test remains deeply troubling." Other statements are similarly positioned, included this one delivered by Canada.
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Reports based on intelligence shared with US allies in early November 2025 stated that North Korea has the ability to carry out a seventh nuclear test at the Punggye-ri No. 3 tunnel on short notice, should leader Kim Jong-un issue the order.
Why do you think you're right?
Assessment remains: DPRK is "ready" but not actively preparing for a nuclear test.
38North's November 2025 report on Yongbyon notes:
1. New Enrichment Facility: Commercial satellite imagery from October and November 2025 indicated that construction and outfitting of a new suspected uranium enrichment facility is nearing completion. Based on the imagery, authors suggest that the facility is being prepared for operation.
2. Reactor Operation and Testing: The 5 Megawatt-Electric (MWe) Reactor continued to operate consistently. The Experimental Light Water Reactor (ELWR) was observed undergoing pre-operational testing.
3. Waste Storage Expansion: Construction of a semi-buried radioactive waste storage facility continued near the Old Waste Site, which aligns with North Korea's directive to expand its nuclear material production capacity.
From the November 2025 IAEA Board of Governors meeting:
The European Union's statement noted that the "continued preparedness of the Punggye-Ri testing facilities to support a nuclear test remains deeply troubling." Other statements are similarly positioned, included this one delivered by Canada.
+
Reports based on intelligence shared with US allies in early November 2025 stated that North Korea has the ability to carry out a seventh nuclear test at the Punggye-ri No. 3 tunnel on short notice, should leader Kim Jong-un issue the order.
Why might you be wrong?