If true, the latest news out of North Korea means there’s been a significant escalation in the nuclear threat posed to our regional allies. According to an unnamed South Korean insider, intelligence officials conclude that their neighboring country has “accomplished miniaturization of a nuclear warhead to mount it on a Rodong missile.” The specs for this particular missile suggest numerous countries are at risk. According to Reuters, “The Rodong missile can fire a 1 tonne (1,100 lb) warhead a distance of up to 2,000 km (1,250 miles), the official said. That would put all of South Korea, most of Japan and parts of Russia and China in range.”

The speculation over North Korea’s miniaturization of a nuclear warhead originally began in March, when the Korean Central News Agency claimed Kim Jong Un was being showcased “research conducted to tip various type tactical and strategic ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads.” The report was accompanied by a photo of Kim allegedly standing beside a compact nuclear weapon. Shortly thereafter, U.S. officials said it was likely the warhead was legit.

Of course, North Korea is an expert at spouting rhetorical nonsense, and Reuters says “no direct evidence” of a miniaturized nuclear warhead exists. But as John Sexton writes, “North Korea is so far outside the normal bounds of its own crazy behavior that China has taken the unusual step of banning imports from North Korean companies. North Korea has spent years behaving as a rogue and dangerous nation threatening both the U.S. and South Korea on a regular basis. But at the moment, it seems the ability to potentially launch a nuclear missile strike is leading North Korea to behave even more recklessly than usual.”

Perhaps it’s time for Obama to hold a summit on proliferation. Oh, wait…