Pyongyang, North Korea – Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, pledged to further solidify his country’s nuclear status while maintaining a hard-line stance against South Korea, which he called the “most hostile” state.
Kim’s Speech and Anti-U.S. Remarks
In a speech on Monday to North Korea’s rubber-stamp parliament, Kim accused the United States of global “state terrorism and aggression,” referring to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Kim emphasized that North Korea would play a more active role in opposing Washington, especially with increasing anti-American sentiments.
Kim also stated that whether other nations choose confrontation or peaceful coexistence is up to them. He added that North Korea was ready to respond to either choice. “The dignity of the nation, its national interest, and its ultimate victory can only be guaranteed by the strongest of power,” Kim said.
North Korea’s Nuclear Commitment
Kim reaffirmed North Korea’s commitment to maintaining its status as a nuclear power. “The government of our republic will continue to consolidate our absolutely irreversible status as a nuclear power and will aggressively wage a struggle against hostile forces to crush their provocations and schemes,” he stated.
Rising Tensions and U.S. Intelligence
According to the 2026 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community, North Korea remains focused on expanding its nuclear weapons and missile programs to enhance its deterrent capabilities. This follows the U.S. and Israel’s ongoing war against Iran, aimed at preventing Iran from potentially becoming a nuclear-armed state.
