For months, North Korea has been ready to conduct its first nuclear test since 2017 and seventh overall, with experts saying all that’s needed is the green light from leader Kim Jong Un.
Now, Pyongyang watchers say, the time may be ripe for Kim to give the order.
After declaring victory over COVID-19 and with the largest joint U.S.-South Korean military drills since 2017 wrapping up Thursday — as well as key anniversaries looming on Sept. 9 and Oct. 10 — Kim may see the coming days or weeks as the ideal time to conduct a provocative weapons test, provided the political math adds up.
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