24.03.2026 08:20
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who sent a message through U.S. President Donald Trump's Iran policy, argued that nuclear weapons are indispensable for regime security and rejected Washington's disarmament pressure. Sending an indirect message to Trump, Kim stated that his country would not back down from its nuclear power status and is prepared for any conflict scenario.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced that he would make his country's status as a nuclear power permanent and described South Korea as the "most hostile" country. The Pyongyang administration has hardened its military doctrine with this step and has escalated tensions in the region to a new level.
In a speech at the Supreme People's Assembly, Kim emphasized that the country's security can only be ensured with a strong military capacity, stating, "The honor of the nation, its interests, and ultimate victory can only be guaranteed with the strongest power." According to state media, Kim expressed that North Korea would continue to reinforce its "irreversible nuclear power status."
DEFENSE SPENDING INCREASED
The 2026 budget was also approved at the meeting. Accordingly, it was announced that defense spending would be raised to 15.8% of the total budget. This increase demonstrated Pyongyang's determination to further strengthen its military capacity.
Kim once again rejected the United States' long-standing proposal of "security guarantees in exchange for disarmament."
CITED THE IRAN WAR AS AN EXAMPLE
In his speech, Kim also addressed the attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Iran, accusing Washington of "global terrorism and aggression." Pointing to the example of Iran, the North Korean leader argued that power is decisive in the current international system.
Kim, stating that "the reality of today's world clearly shows what the true guarantee of a state's existence and peace is," sent a message to U.S. President Donald Trump without naming him. Kim noted that the other side could choose between "conflict or peaceful coexistence," while North Korea is prepared for every scenario.
SOUTH KOREA MAY BE DECLARED A "PERMANENT ENEMY"
Kim's statements coincided with discussions on constitutional amendments at the Supreme People's Assembly. Experts evaluate that with the new regulations, the emphasis on "common nation" with South Korea could be removed from the constitution, and the Seoul administration could be defined as a permanent enemy.
The South Korean Presidency stated that Kim's description of the South as the "most hostile state" is negative for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula.