Khaled Khiari, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding and Political Affairs, briefed the Security Council on heightened tensions following North Korea’s latest missile test. Two days ago, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) launched what it described as a new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile (IRBM) equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle.
Hypersonic Threat
According to Pyongyang’s official statement, the missile traveled at 12 times the speed of sound along a predetermined flight path before splashing into the sea. The DPRK claimed the launch posed no threat to neighboring countries, though no advance safety notices for airspace or maritime zones were issued.
Quoting the DPRK statement, Khiari said the weapon system is designed to “deal a serious military strike to a rival by effectively breaking any of its dense defensive barriers.” He explained that hypersonic glide vehicles, which travel at least five times the speed of sound, are particularly concerning because their evasive maneuvers make them extremely difficult to intercept.
Escalating Missile Activity
The UN expressed deep concern over North Korea’s escalating missile program, with this being the fourth IRBM launch since the start of 2024. The country has also conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, several short-range missile launches, and attempted to launch a military reconnaissance satellite.
“The display of an undeclared enrichment facility in Kangson and the ongoing commissioning of the light water reactor at Yongbyon are clear violations of Security Council resolutions, as are the continued launches of missiles using ballistic missile technology,” Khiari said.
A Military Five-Year Plan
The DPRK’s actions align with its ambitious five-year military development plan, now in its final year. The plan includes the development of tactical nuclear weapons, “super-large” nuclear warheads, advanced ballistic missile systems, reconnaissance satellites, and a nuclear-powered submarine. Officials in Pyongyang have emphasized that 2025 is the target year for achieving these objectives.
Global Security at Risk
“The DPRK’s persistent pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missile programs undermines global nuclear disarmament and escalates regional tensions,” Khiari warned. He added that these activities further isolate North Korea from the international community.
Call for Diplomacy
Khiari urged immediate de-escalation on the Korean Peninsula, emphasizing the necessity of diplomacy. “Diplomatic engagement remains the only pathway to sustainable peace and the complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. We welcome offers to engage with the DPRK without preconditions.”
He also called attention to the humanitarian crisis in North Korea, urging Pyongyang to allow the return of the UN Country Team and international aid organizations to support its population and advance sustainable development.
As the DPRK accelerates its military ambitions, global leaders face mounting pressure to address the rising threats to international peace and security. The UN continues to call on North Korea to comply with its international obligations and prioritize dialogue over confrontation.
