UN issues chilling North Korea nuclear weapons update in 'arms race' warning

UN issues chilling North Korea nuclear weapons update in 'arms race' warningThe UN chief has warned that North Korea’s secretive nuclear weapons programme is 'moving quite fast' - this is a breaking storyCommentsNewsEliana Nunes News Reporter10:17, 23 Apr 2026Updated 10:27, 23 Apr 2026View ImageNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspecting a combustion test of a solid-fuel rocket engine (file)(Image: KCNA VIA KNS/AFP via Getty Images)North Korea’s secretive nuclear weapons programme is "moving quite fast", the head of the United Nations' atomic agency has warned.‌Rafael Grossi warned that North Korea poses a growing threat to global stability as it expands its nuclear arsenal.‌He expressed frustration that the UN lacks clear insight into the state of the country's nuclear weapons programme, which has advanced rapidly in recent years despite long-standing international sanctions. The country regular tests banned intercontinental missiles, and state media outlet KCNA said in February that under Kim Jong Un's leadership it "radically improved" its "war deterrence", "with the nuclear forces as its pivot".Article continues belowGrossi told The Telegraph in an interview published this week: "I think it’s fair to say that we see North Korea as a clear expansion. What we see is that the country is moving quite fast in this area and as you know, although this is not nuclear, but it is intrinsically related, you have a very ambitious ballistic missile programme."This is a Breaking News story. You’ll be more likely to see our stories when any big news breaks in future by simply by clicking this link. You can also join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads - or visit The Mirror homepage.