Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said on the 25th (local time) that "North Korea is ready to conduct additional nuclear tests at any time (on short notice)."
Director General Haines noted in a prepared statement for the Senate Intelligence Committee that "North Korea will continue to conduct intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) flight tests to demonstrate their growing capabilities as leverage in future negotiations."
He said, "North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is pursuing stronger strategic and conventional capabilities that could target U.S. forces and allies, as well as the U.S. homeland. This aims to enhance North Korea's influence and status, defend the regime, and at least tacitly gain recognition as a nuclear-armed state."
Director General Haines added that "the solidified strategic partnership with Russia provides Kim Jong Un with more financial, military, and diplomatic support, reinforcing such goals. This reduces the necessity to comply with China's conditions for dependency and support, and also provides the North Korean military with real combat experience."
He said, "Kim Jong Un views ▲advancements in strategic weapons ▲deepening relations with Russia ▲North Korea's economic resilience as elements that enhance negotiation power against U.S. denuclearization demands and reduce the need for sanctions relief."