North Korea has long-standing diplomatic ties with Iran dating back to 1973. (image-X/SilentlySirs)
Pyongyang, North Korea: North Korea strongly condemned Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran, calling it a hideous act of aggression and an “unpardonable crime against humanity.” The statement, published by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and cited by South Korea’s Yonhap, accused Israel of endangering peace in West Asia with the backing of the United States and Western powers.
As the conflict between Israel and Iran enters its seventh day, North Korea’s foreign ministry voiced “serious” concerns over Israel’s military escalation, warning that the attacks have significantly heightened the threat of a full-scale war in the region.
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North Korea called Israel a “cancer-like” entity threatening peace in West Asia with the help of the United States and the West, reported South Korean media Yonhap.
“The present grave situation witnessed by the world clearly proves that Israel, supported and patronised by the US and the West, is a cancer-like entity for peace in the Middle East and a chief culprit of destroying global peace and security,” the foreign ministry spokesperson stated.
North Korea, which has long-standing diplomatic ties with Iran dating back to 1973, accused Israel of violating Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The statement condemned the airstrikes as a blatant breach of international law and a destabilising act of war.
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Escalation in the Middle East
Tensions have been spiralling after Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Iran, claiming to have targeted missile manufacturing facilities and critical military infrastructure, including sites in Tehran. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed on Thursday that “a series of strikes” were conducted across Iran. CNN reported that the Israeli strikes hit military sites as well as residential areas, prompting thousands to flee.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said air defence systems were activated over Tehran and other regions in response. Tehran responded by firing Sejjil-2 medium-range ballistic missiles towards Israel, according to IRGC.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi told CNN that Iran’s military actions were acts of self-defence but warned that if the US intervenes militarily, “we have no choice but to retaliate wherever we find the targets necessary to be acted upon.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s commitment to diplomacy, even as the conflict continues to escalate.
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Trump Weighs US Involvement
US President Donald Trump has said he has not yet decided whether the US will launch military strikes in response to the growing conflict. “I may do it, I may not do it,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday. “Nothing is finished until it is finished. The next week is going to be very big — maybe less than a week.”
Trump also suggested Iran was showing signs of wanting to return to negotiations — a claim denied by Iranian officials. However, he reaffirmed the US commitment to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
