A U.S. think tank says it may have identified a North Korean facility used to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons, which would represent a significant breakthrough for Western officials if confirmed.
North Korea has long been suspected of failing to disclose all of its nuclear facilities and the discovery of a potential new location for enriching uranium could help negotiators hash out future agreements. The discovery, first reported by Reuters, was published by the Institute for Science and International Security Thursday.
The suspected site is located 27 miles from the Yongbyon nuclear facility in the western part of the country, according to the report. It is believed to be located in a factory that makes airplane components.
North Korea’s nuclear program has caused consternation in the west for years, and a recent spat of tests has put leaders particularly on edge.2
More Must-Reads From TIME
- The 100 Most Influential People of 2024
- Coco Gauff Is Playing for Herself Now
- Scenes From Pro-Palestinian Encampments Across U.S. Universities
- 6 Compliments That Land Every Time
- If You're Dating Right Now , You're Brave: Column
- The AI That Could Heal a Divided Internet
- Fallout Is a Brilliant Model for the Future of Video Game Adaptations
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Write to Justin Worland at justin.worland@time.com