Kim Jong Un Defends Nuclear Program Amid U.S.–Iran Conflict

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said that his country was right to reject U.S. pressure and “sweet talk” to abandon its nuclear weapons, citing the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States as justification.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Supreme People's Assembly, Kim accused Washington of engaging in “state-sponsored terrorism and aggression.”

“The current situation clearly shows that rejecting U.S. pressure and so-called ‘sweet words’ to give up nuclear weapons was the correct decision,” he said, emphasizing that North Korea’s status as a nuclear-armed state remains “unchanged.”

Kim’s remarks come amid heightened tensions surrounding Iran. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump had described Iran as an “imminent threat” to the United States, despite previously claiming that Washington had “completely destroyed” Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Criticizing what he described as contradictory statements, Kim said the Iran conflict has reinforced North Korea’s long-standing belief that countries without nuclear weapons are more vulnerable to U.S. military power, while those possessing such weapons are better able to deter attacks.

The timing of Kim’s comments is seen as significant, as Trump has recently hinted at the possibility of resuming talks with North Korea. Earlier this month, South Korea’s prime minister also held an unannounced meeting with Trump in Washington.

According to officials, the discussions focused on restarting diplomatic engagement with Pyongyang and coordinating strategies to address North Korea’s advancing weapons programs.

North Korea has recently conducted several weapons tests, including the launch of cruise missiles from a new warship and drills involving nuclear-capable rockets.