North Korea wants to conduct nuclear test after US election

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has raised concerns that North Korea may conduct its seventh nuclear test following the US presidential election in November. 

According to reports from the parliamentary intelligence committee, the NIS also suggested that Pyongyang may opt for an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test as an alternative, as disclosed by Rep. Lee Seong-Kweun of the ruling People Power Party and Rep. Park Sun-won of the main opposition Democratic Party, Caliber.Az reports, citing South Korean media.

The NIS further revealed that North Korea possesses approximately 70 kilograms of plutonium and a substantial amount of highly enriched uranium (HEU), both sufficient to build a two-digit number of nuclear weapons.

The intelligence agency noted that North Korea's recent disclosure of an HEU facility earlier this month could be strategically timed with the US presidential election in mind.

"Externally, it can be interpreted as a move conscious of the US ahead of its presidential election, while internally it appears to be an attempt to boost confidence among the population amid the extremely dire economic situation," Rep. Lee explained, referring to the domestic struggles caused by the North's deteriorating economy.

Earlier in September, North Korean state media publicly revealed leader Kim Jong-un’s visit to a uranium enrichment facility for the first time. However, the location and the exact date of the visit were not disclosed. The NIS believes the facility is likely part of the Kangson nuclear complex near Pyongyang, although definitive confirmation has not been made.

The intelligence agency also commented on North Korea's test launch of new tactical ballistic missiles on September 18. According to the NIS, the test was aimed at verifying the precision strike capabilities of its missile systems. One of the two missiles successfully hit its target, marking a "slight improvement from the past," the agency said.