Kim Jong Un says North Korea’s nuclear status is irreversible, threatens SouthNorth Korea’s Nuclear Policy and Regional ImplicationsBy Kyu-seok ShimKim Jong Un’s Speech to ParliamentSEOUL, March 24 (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country would permanently strengthen its nuclear forces and treat South Korea as its most hostile state, as he set out policy priorities in a speech to parliament, state media KCNA reported on Tuesday. Irreversible Nuclear Status and DeterrenceKim said Pyongyang's status as a nuclear-armed state was irreversible and expanding a "self-defensive nuclear deterrent" was essential to national security, regional stability and economic development. He rejected the idea that nuclear disarmament could be exchanged for economic benefits or security guarantees, saying North Korea had already proven that maintaining nuclear forces while pursuing development was the correct strategic choice. Analyst Perspectives and U.S. RelationsAnalysts in South Korea said the comments amounted to an indirect critique of U.S. military action against Iran. Instead, it marked a "declaration denying South Korea's very legitimacy as a counterpart", he said.

Source: Washington Post March 23, 2026 23:22 UTC