North Korean Diplomat Claims Tunneling Technology Sold to Iran

According to a report by the independent news agency Iran International, an exiled North Korean diplomat has suggested that tunneling technology used in Iran’s main nuclear facilities was sold to a rogue state by North Korea. This information came from a think tank in South Korea.

The diplomat, Ryu Hyun-woo, stated that Iran utilized technology, for which it paid North Korea, to construct tunnels linked to underground uranium enrichment sites in Natanz and Isfahan. These facilities were subject to airstrikes ordered by President Donald Trump in June 2025 as part of efforts to stop illegal nuclear operations. Notably, Ryu did not mention another facility in Fordow, which also faced U.S. military action.

The current status of the stored enriched uranium at these sites remains unclear, as the Iranian government has not permitted the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to conduct inspections. However, this situation could change following a recent draft agreement purportedly facilitating cooperation with IAEA inspections, although Iranian officials have been hesitant to confirm such details.

The report from Iran International underscores North Korea’s long-standing connections and influence in the Middle East. Over the years, North Korea has cultivated close ties with Iran, known for its extremely anti-Israel stance. Recently, Kim Jong Un expressed intentions to escalate North Korea’s nuclear capabilities as a stand against “Zionism.”

According to statements from Mr. Liu, another former North Korean diplomat, the tunneling technology was sold to Iran for approximately $25 million in the early 2000s. Liu, who worked in Kuwait prior to defecting, indicated that he had access to this information.

Ryu articulated that North Korea not only provided the tunneling designs to Iran but that this technology significantly contributed to the underground nuclear facilities in Natanz and Isfahan. However, he did clarify that North Korea does not have direct relations with Iranian proxy groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, yet he couldn’t dismiss the possibility that Iran might have transferred this technology to them.

Evidence of collaboration between North Korea and Hamas has been reported, with both Israeli and South Korean governments providing details about North Korean weaponry being used by Hamas. In January 2024, images surfaced of North Korean-made rocket-propelled grenades found in the aftermath of the conflict that erupted in October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel.

Additionally, North Korea has been known to supply Iran with weapon technology for decades, starting during the Iran-Iraq War. Reports suggest that North Korea traded military expertise and materials in exchange for Iranian oil, strengthening both countries’ military capacities.

“North Korea’s contributions allowed Iran to achieve its military and strategic goals in the region,” experts noted, emphasizing the shared developments in missile technologies between the two nations.

Following U.S. military operations in the region in early 2026, Iran’s capabilities were employed to launch attacks on various neighboring countries. Although the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to target U.S. military locations, instances of civilian casualties raised concerns.

North Korea has consistently condemned Israel. Following attacks on Iranian facilities and statements from its diplomatic channels, North Korea labeled Israel a significant threat to global peace and security.

After escalations in the area, North Korea reiterated its support for the Iranian leadership and expressed “concern” about U.S. and Israeli military actions.

During a recent Communist Party meeting, Kim Jong-un characterized “Zionism” as a threat to North Korea’s stability. He pointed to various forms of nationalism that challenge global peace, reiterating the need for North Korea to assert itself as a nuclear power.