UN Nuclear Chief Calls for Dialogue with Nuclear-Armed North Korea

The head of the UN's nuclear agency, Rafael Grossi, has urged the international community to engage in dialogue with North Korea despite its nuclear weapons program, which violates UN sanctions and international law. Grossi emphasizes the need for diplomatic engagement to manage and mitigate the escalating nuclear threats globally.

The United Nations' nuclear chief, Rafael Grossi, has called on the world to acknowledge North Korea's nuclear weapons capacity and engage in dialogue despite its violations of UN sanctions and international law.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Grossi questioned whether cutting off communication with Kim Jong Un's regime has improved the situation, or if it has actually worsened it. While condemning North Korea's nuclear activities, he stressed the importance of reopening diplomatic channels that have been shut since 2006, when the country became a de facto nuclear state.

Grossi noted that North Korea's recent transparency about its uranium production facilities aligns with the IAEA's analyses, underlining an urgent need for international engagement. He warned that global nuclear arsenals are expanding, creating a broad, underlying security threat that must be addressed through careful diplomatic efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)