N. Korea may be ready for 'short notice' nuclear test, seeks tacit recognition as nuclear power

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 US intelligence official said Tuesday, noting it is seeking "at least" tacit recognition as a nuclear power, Report informs via Yonhap.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard made the remarks during a congressional testimony on the annual threat assessment of the US intelligence community, as she enumerated US 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 US 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 US mainland and its allies.

"North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is pursuing stronger strategic and conventional capabilities that can target US forces and allies in the region, as well as the US 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 US 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 US interests and protect themselves from US sanctions."