Kim Jong Un says Iran war justifies North Korea s decision to keep its nuclear weapons

North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, stated that the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran validates his country's choice to maintain its nuclear weapons. In a speech to the Supreme People’s Assembly on Tuesday, Kim accused the US of engaging in "state-sponsored terrorism and aggression." He asserted, "The current situation clearly shows" that North Korea was right to turn down US pressure and what he called "sweet talk" aimed at persuading them to give up their nuclear arsenal. Kim emphasized that North Korea's nuclear status is now "irreversible." Former President Trump has previously indicated that Iran was an "imminent" threat to the US, just months after stating that the US had "obliterated" Iran’s nuclear capabilities. For North Korea's ruling body, the conflict involving Iran strengthens their long-held view that nations without nuclear arms are vulnerable to US military force, while those with nuclear weapons can deter it. The timing of Kim's comments is noteworthy. Trump has recently expressed a willingness to resume discussions with Kim, potentially reviving a diplomatic effort that stalled in 2019. Earlier this month, South Korea's prime minister made an unexpected visit to Washington for a meeting with Trump in the Oval Office. Reports indicate that their discussion revolved around the possibility of resuming diplomacy with North Korea, how to align strategies, and how to address Pyongyang's weapon advancements. Kim's latest statements imply that any upcoming meeting would differ greatly from previous summits focused on denuclearization. He has shown readiness to engage with Trump again, but only if the US recognizes North Korea as a nuclear power and abandons what Pyongyang refers to as its "hostile policy."