Enrichment Authority Sparks “Nuclear Domino” Fears

South Korea’s newly acquired authority to enrich uranium has sparked a fierce reaction from the North. On Tuesday, Pyongyang condemned a deal between Seoul and Washington, warning that it would cause a “nuclear domino” effect. The agreement, which supports the development of nuclear-powered submarines, is viewed by the North as a “dangerous attempt at confrontation.”
President Lee Jae Myung announced the deal last week. It grants South Korea the right to reprocess spent fuel and enrich uranium, technologies essential for nuclear propulsion. North Korea views this as a critical step toward full nuclear weaponization, predicting it will spark a “hot arms race.”
This technical dispute comes at a sensitive time. Just a day prior, Seoul proposed military talks to prevent border clashes, the first offer in seven years. President Lee has championed a policy of engagement, offering unconditional discussions. However, the North’s focus on the enrichment issue suggests that technical capabilities are more important than political gestures.
The “nuclear domino” warning implies that the proliferation of enrichment technology will destabilize the region. North Korea is arguing that if the South is allowed to master the fuel cycle, others will follow. This narrative attempts to isolate South Korea diplomatically.
North Korea has yet to respond to the offer for military talks. The fixation on enrichment suggests that the North is deeply concerned about the long-term implications of the deal. The region remains on edge as the technological arms race heats up.