The United States has expressed its concerns over North Korea's ongoing nuclear activities during the IAEA Board of Governors Meeting in Vienna. Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim, Howard Solomon delivered the statement on behalf of the U.S., highlighting issues related to plutonium production and uranium enrichment by North Korea. The statement noted that "the nuclear test site remains prepared to support a nuclear test."
The U.S. affirmed its support for the International Atomic Energy Agency's readiness to conduct monitoring and verification activities in North Korea if required. It also emphasized the importance of keeping this issue on the Board’s agenda.
Solomon stated that North Korea continues to advance its weapons programs in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions, posing threats to regional security. He expressed concern about the possibility of a seventh nuclear test and criticized North Korea's rhetoric as irresponsible.
Last year, Russia vetoed the renewal of the UN Panel of Experts' mandate on North Korea, which had been monitoring compliance with relevant UN resolutions for 15 years. This action was described as undermining international peace and security. In response, the U.S. hosted a meeting of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team in Washington to continue implementing relevant resolutions.
The U.S. rejected any characterization of North Korea's denuclearization as a "closed issue," asserting President Trump's commitment to pursuing complete denuclearization. Ongoing consultations with South Korea, Japan, and other allies aim to achieve this goal and deter aggression from North Korea.
The statement concluded with a commitment to work with allies to implement UN Security Council resolutions fully and monitor sanctions evasion supporting North Korea’s programs.