Intelligence Reports: North Korea has No Intention of Denuclearization

Intelligence Reports: North Korea has No Intention of Denuclearization

Quinn Summerville, Reporter

A new U.S. intelligence assessment has concluded that North Korea has no intent on giving up its nuclear weapons, three U.S. officials told NBC News — a finding that conflicts with recent statements by President Donald Trump that Pyongyang intends to do so in the future.

I an interview, President Trump attributed his “great chemistry” with Kim for easing a nuclear standoff that last year raised fears of a new Korean war.

“I like him. He likes me,” he said. “There’s no ballistic missiles going up, there’s a lot of silence … I have very good personal relations with Chairman Kim, and I think that’s what holds it together.”

Despite the promises of denuclearization  made at the Singapore Conference, Kim has stalled on his promise to destroy his nuclear launch site sparking fears of new missile tests.

North Korea watchdog, 38 North, said commercial satellite imagery of the Sohae Satellite Launching Station in August suggested no dismantlement has taken place at either the launch pad or engine test stand. In fact, North Korea has built structures to obscure the entrance to at least one warhead storage facility, according to the officials.

The U.S. has also observed North Korean workers moving warheads out of the facility, the officials said, though they would not speculate on where the warheads went.

In response to the reports, President Trump Tweeted:

“Sleepy Eyes Chuck Todd of Fake News NBC just stated that we have given up so much in our negotiations with North Korea, and they have given up nothing. Wow, we haven’t given up anything & they have agreed to denuclearization (so great for World), site closure, & no more testing!”

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 22, 2018

There is still steady communication between the two world leaders.