North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has vowed that his country will never give up its nuclear arsenal, signaling that Seoul will soon be classified as Pyongyang’s “most hostile state,” according to state media.
Speaking to the Supreme People’s Assembly on Monday, Kim criticized the United States for what he called “state terrorism,” an apparent reference to U.S. military operations in Iran.
He declared that North Korea would continue to consolidate its nuclear capabilities as an “irreversible course” and expand its self-defensive nuclear deterrent.
“We will, in line with the mission entrusted by the Constitution of the Republic, further advance our self-defensive nuclear capabilities,” Kim said, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Kim’s remarks come amid heightened regional tensions following U.S. and Israeli military strikes in Iran, which Tehran denies were aimed at developing nuclear weapons.
Kim also issued a stark warning to South Korea, stating that Pyongyang would treat the country as its “most hostile state” and respond mercilessly to any perceived aggression.
This declaration came despite repeated overtures by President Lee Jae Myung for dialogue without preconditions.
Experts say Kim’s statements reflect Pyongyang’s reaction to global developments, particularly U.S. actions in the Middle East.
Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, noted that North Korea sees the U.S. strikes in Iran and Venezuela as reinforcing its commitment to nuclear advancement.
“The North interprets these developments as confirmation that nuclear weapons remain the only reliable security guarantee in today’s world,” said Andrei Lankov, professor at Kookmin University.
In addition to nuclear policy, Kim outlined domestic economic and security priorities. He announced a 1.5-fold increase in industrial output and earmarked 15.8% of the 2026 budget for defense, slightly higher than last year.
He also proposed establishing a formal police system to strengthen legal frameworks and maintain public order.
Kim’s speech coincides with his reappointment as head of the State Affairs Commission, North Korea’s highest policymaking body, and comes ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned visit to China next month, fueling speculation about renewed diplomatic engagement.
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