Pyongyang, North Korea. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has signalled strong support for Iran following US and Israeli strikes against the country, according to a report by The Diplomat. The report said the development may mark a shift in Pyongyang’s recent diplomatic posture.
Reassessment after strikes on an ally
The Diplomat reported that two weeks earlier, during a major congress of the Workers’ Party in Pyongyang, Kim made what was described as an opening towards dialogue with United States President Donald Trump. The strikes on Iran, described as a long-standing diplomatic and military partner of North Korea, were reported to have prompted a reassessment of that approach.
For Pyongyang, the report said, the strikes represented another example of the use of force by Washington against what it sees as a hostile regime, and an attack on an ally.
Foreign ministry statement condemns strikes
On March 1, less than 24 hours after the start of the attacks, North Korea issued an official statement through an anonymous spokesperson for the foreign ministry. The statement described the Israeli and US strikes as an illegal act of aggression and “the most abhorrent violation” of national sovereignty.
The statement argued that the attacks were predictable given what it described as the hegemonic posture and activities of the United States in the region. It condemned what it called the abuse of military power and accused Washington of playing an increasingly destructive role in undermining global peace and stability.
It also urged parties in the region to correctly identify those responsible for the conflict and fulfil their responsibility to restore peace and stability in the Middle East.
Kim expresses support for Tehran
Hours later, Kim issued a stronger statement expressing support for Tehran, saying North Korea would be prepared to provide missiles to Iran for use against Israel if requested.
In remarks that drew international attention, Kim claimed that “one missile is enough to erase Israel”, referring to the destructive capabilities of North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile arsenal.
Broader implications
The report said the language echoed rhetoric Kim has used in previous confrontations with Western countries and raised the stakes in the current geopolitical confrontation. It also noted that Trump has recently warned that something “big” is coming soon.
According to The Diplomat, the conflict could present both risks and potential benefits for North Korea.
How do you think North Korea’s statements could affect regional efforts to restore peace and stability in the Middle East?
