US Intelligence Agencies: North Korea May Resume ICBM and Nuclear Tests This Year

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that North Korea may resume intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test launches or nuclear tests this year.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) stated in its annual threat assessment report released on the 7th (local time) that "North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will continue to expand the development of nuclear and conventional weapons aimed at the United States and its allies." The report added that North Korea will actively continue provocative actions and "this includes the resumption of nuclear tests and ICBM test launches."

The report was compiled by 17 U.S. intelligence agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), National Security Agency (NSA), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This assessment draws particular attention as it comes amid North Korea's ongoing missile provocations this year. In January, North Korea publicly declared it would fully reconsider confidence-building measures with the U.S., raising speculation that it may withdraw the moratorium on nuclear tests and ICBM test launches.

The report noted that Kim Jong-un expects North Korea to gain international recognition as a nuclear-armed state over time, stating that he aims to "leverage advantages not only in terms of strategic superiority over South Korea but also as a nuclear-armed country." Furthermore, it predicted that "North Korea will continue efforts to undermine the South Korea-U.S. alliance by alternating between provocative actions and symbolic gestures toward South Korea, highlighting differences between Seoul and Washington on the Korean Peninsula issue."

The report also mentioned that Kim Jong-un may continue missile tests including short-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM), and hypersonic glide vehicles (HGV), stating that "North Korea's development of intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBM), ICBMs, and SLBMs reflects its intent to enhance nuclear strike capabilities."

Additionally, the report forecasted that North Korea will "continue producing fissile material to maintain its plutonium and uranium enrichment programs."

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