North Korea conducted its third nuclear test on February 12, 2013, and in response, the UN Security Council convened to discuss sanctions against the country.

Members of the international community such as the UN had already been enhancing broader sanctions against North Korea after the country's third nuclear test, by adopting and implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 2094,[2] which targeted illicit activities of North Korean diplomats, bulk cash transfers, and financial relationships.

The resolution also affirms that any transfer of weapons for the purpose of maintenance and services constitutes violations, and it designates a number of North Korean bodies to be subject to sanctions, including the National Aerospace Development Administration, the Ministry of Atomic Energy Industry, the Munitions Industry Department, the Reconnaissance General Bureau, and Office No.

"[8] He visited Wonsan, a naval base in Kangwon Province and watched the firing of six rounds of a new multiple rocket launcher on the day of the adoption of the resolution in an apparent show of power.

[citation needed] On April 3, a month after the adoption of the resolution, North Korea delivered more threatening messages through its state agencies and channels.