UN Sanctions Gridlock: Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council bid to extend expert monitoring of Iran sanctions, leaving the “snapback” sanctions regime in place and underscoring how major-power politics can stall enforcement. US-ROK-Japan Drills, NK Threats: Kim Yo Jong again blamed US-led exercises—citing Pacific Vanguard 2026 near Guam—for “ever-worsening” tensions, warning Pyongyang could respond with “proportional or more offensive” action and pledging no change in its nuclear deterrent path. Nuclear Status at the UN: North Korea’s vice foreign minister, Kim Son-Gyong, is reported to attend the UN General Assembly next week, meeting UN chief Antonio Guterres and signaling Pyongyang’s stance that its nuclear program is non-negotiable. Fault Lines Near Punggye-ri: New research links North Korea’s underground nuclear tests to reactivated fault zones near Mount Mantap, with seismic activity rising over years and raising earthquake risk in the region. Cyber-Enabled Funding: A Chainalysis report says state-linked hackers drove a 420% surge in onchain malware on public blockchains, with North Korea-linked activity identified across multiple networks. Human Rights Pressure Point: In Musan county, officials and teachers repeatedly tried to persuade parents of a disabled student to return to school after bullying and social exclusion—without success. Maritime Incident: South Korea coordinated rescue efforts for North Korean seafarers after a towing boat sank off Japan’s coast, with three recovered and one still missing.