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North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, has vowed to reinforce his country’s nuclear capabilities while maintaining a firm stance against South Korea, which he labeled as “the most hostile” nation. This declaration was reported by state media on Tuesday, as covered by The Associated Press.
In a Monday address to North Korea’s ceremonial parliament, Kim criticized the United States, accusing it of “state terrorism and aggression” on a global scale, seemingly alluding to current conflicts in the Middle East. He asserted that North Korea would adopt a more assertive role in an international coalition opposing Washington, amid growing anti-American sentiment.
According to the AP, a North Korean official mentioned that the decision between confrontation and peaceful coexistence lies with their adversaries, stating, “We are prepared to respond to any choice.”
The image, taken on February 15, 2026, and released by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency on February 16, captures Kim Jong Un delivering a speech during the inauguration of Saeppyol Street in Pyongyang. (KCNA via KNS/AFP via Getty Images)
“The honor of our nation, its interests, and its ultimate victory are assured only through the strongest power,” declared Kim, according to the AP. “Our government’s commitment is to fortify our unassailable status as a nuclear power and to actively challenge antagonistic forces to thwart their (anti-North Korean) provocations and schemes.”
This picture taken on Feb. 21, 2026 and released by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) via KNS on Feb. 22, shows Kim Jong Un speaking during the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea in Pyongyang. (KCNA via KNS/AFP via Getty Images)
The 2026 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community states, “North Korea remains committed to expanding its strategic weapons programs, including missiles and nuclear warheads, and to solidifying its deterrent capability.”
This picture taken on Feb. 2, 2026 and released by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) via KNS on Feb. 3, shows Kim Jong Un delivering a speech at the inauguration of the Samgwang Stockbreeding Farm in North Pyongan Province. (KCNA via KNS/AFP via Getty Images)
The U.S. and Israel launched a war against Iran more than three weeks ago in a bid to prevent the Islamic Republic from potentially joining the ranks of other nations that possess nuclear weapons.