N. Korea claims it has miniaturized nuclear weapons

North Korea claims to have the capacity to miniaturize nuclear weapons, an important technological advance as the country continues to pursue its nuclear weapons program.

{mosads}“We have had the capability of miniaturizing nuclear warheads, as well as producing multiform weapons, for some time,” the North Korean military said in a statement via its state-run news agency, according to CNN.

“We can also guarantee the accuracy not only of short-to-mid-range but also long-range rocket launches, for which we have had the technology for a long time.”

Experts and government officials have shared that assessment for months. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, who leads U.S. soldiers in Korea, said in October that he believed North Korea could militarize a nuclear weapon but added that he’s not sure if it has ever been tested.

Miniaturization is an important step towards developing nuclear ballistic missiles, as it allows the nuclear material to fit inside of the warhead.

The news comes days after Secretary of State John Kerry slammed North Korea for showing a “blatant disregard for international law” and floated the possibility of new sanctions because of Pyongyang’s pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Kerry added that while the U.S. would be willing to improving its diplomatic relations with North Korea if it makes an effort to tamp down its nuclear program, the country “has not even come close to meeting that standard.”