North Korea has conducted its final ground test of a solid-fuel rocket engine for long-range ballistic missiles, marking a significant advancement in its arsenal that could threaten the U.S. This development, which Kim Jong Un claims represents a “significant change” in expanding nuclear forces, may lead to further ICBM tests as North Korea aims to demonstrate military strength ahead of upcoming political events. Analysts note that these efforts are also part of a strategy to pressure the U.S. into negotiations and strengthen ties with allies Russia and China, potentially shifting the regional power balance and complicating security dynamics in Asia.