(LEAD) N. Korea may be ready for 'short notice' nuclear test, seeks tacit recognition as nuclear power: DNI

▲ Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on "Worldwide Threats" on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 25, 2025. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)

▲ This photo, released by Russia's TASS news agency, shows Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the Kumsusan State Guest House at their summit on June 19, 2024. (Yonhap)

(LEAD) DNI-N Korea

(LEAD) N. Korea may be ready for 'short notice' nuclear test, seeks tacit recognition as nuclear power: DNI

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES throughout; CHANGES photo; ADDS photo)

By Song Sang-ho

WASHINGTON, March 25 (Yonhap) -- North Korea may be ready to conduct a nuclear test "on short notice" and continue intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests to show its negotiation leverage, a top U.S. intelligence official said Tuesday, noting it is seeking "at least" tacit recognition as a nuclear power.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard made the remarks during a congressional testimony on the annual threat assessment of the U.S. intelligence community, as she enumerated U.S. security challenges from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea and other sources.

"North Korea is probably prepared to conduct another nuclear test on short notice and continues to flight test ICBMs to demonstrate their increasing capabilities as leverage in future negotiations," Gabbard said in her opening remarks to the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee.

The assessment is in tune with South Korea's view that Pyongyang has already completed preparations for another nuclear test, which if conducted, would mark the seventh experiment following earlier tests that the regime conducted from 2006 to 2017.

Gabbard pointed out Pyongyang's continued pursuit of advanced military capabilities that threaten the U.S. mainland and its allies.

"North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is pursuing stronger strategic and conventional capabilities that can target U.S. forces and allies in the region, as well as the U.S. homeland, to bolster North Korea's leverage and stature, defend the regime and achieve at least tacit recognition as a nuclear weapons power," she said.

"Kim's recently cemented strategic partnership with Russia supports these goals by providing him greater financial, military, and diplomatic support; reduced reliance on China and the need to defer to Beijing's terms for support; and providing North Korean forces and weapons systems authentic warfighting experience," she added.

She was apparently referring to the "comprehensive strategic partnership treaty" that Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed in June last year. The treaty calls for one party to provide military aid to the other in the event of an armed invasion -- a pledge that effectively revived the two countries' Cold War-era military alliance.

Many observers said that the North's deepening partnership with Russia has apparently lessened Pyongyang's appetite for reengagement with Washington as the regime is now said to receive food, security assurances and other forms of support from Russia.

"Kim views his strategic weapons advances since 2019, deepening ties with Russia, and North Korea's economic durability as strengthening his negotiating position against Washington's demands for denuclearization and lessening his need for sanctions relief," Gabbard said.

She noted the intelligence community (IC)'s concerns over collaboration among China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.

"The IC sees China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea engaging in activities that could challenge U.S. capabilities and interests, especially related to our security and economy," she said.

"These actors are, in some cases, working together in different areas to target U.S. interests and protect themselves from U.S. sanctions."

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