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 ¡ª as well as key anniversaries looming on Sept. 9 and Oct. 10 ¡ª 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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