The UN International Atomic Agency says that North Korea appears to have restarted its Yongbyon nuclear reactor

The UN International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) believes that the Yongbyon reactor supplies plutonium for North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.

The report found evidence that the reactor has been on since early July, with the nearby radio-chemical lab operating from February to July.

“Since early July 2021, there have been indications, including the discharge of cooling water, consistent with the operation of the reactor.”

These findings also coincide with other signs that North Korea is using a nearby laboratory to extract plutonium from fuel previously removed from the reactor.

North Korea barred the IAEA’s access to the country in 2009, leaving the agency to monitor nuclear activity primarily through satellite imagery.

Indications of radiochemical reprocessing are “deeply troubling” and a “cause of serious concern”

The agency described the update as “deeply troubling” and a “clear violation” of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

“It appears to indicate North Korea has resumed producing plutonium for its nuclear weapons program,” Gary Samore from Brandeis University told The Australian.

“While North Korea already has a significant stockpile of nuclear weapons, this suggests it is moving to expand its current arsenal,” he said.

The IAEA says it will continue to call on North Korea to “comply fully” with its obligations under the UN security council resolutions.