Amid tensions in US-South Korea relations, North Korea clarifies: 'Denuclearization is a pipe dream'

North Korea has responded sharply to discussions about its denuclearization. Kim Yo-jong called the discussions "foolish chatter." The North Korean vice defense minister stated that Pyongyang will continue to strengthen its nuclear deterrence and called for abandoning the "pipe dream" of denuclearization. The remarks come amid tensions between Washington and Seoul, including over the US action against Iran and delays in a trade agreement.

North Korea has responded sharply to discussions held at the General Assembly of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding its denuclearization. Kim Yo-jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong-un, attacked the remarks, calling them "foolish and familiar chatter." In an official statement, she clarified that the country's status as a nuclear power is "absolute." Meanwhile, at a security conference in Beijing, North Korean Vice Defense Minister Kim Kang-il stated that Pyongyang will continue to expand and strengthen its nuclear deterrence capabilities. According to him, the US-led military cooperation with South Korea and Japan provides Pyongyang with full justification to continue developing its "nuclear shield." The remarks come amid tensions between Washington and Seoul, including over the US action against Iran and American pressure on South Korea to join efforts in the Strait of Hormuz. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun clarified that no decision has been made regarding the deployment of forces to the strait. Additionally, there has been a delay in implementing a trade agreement under which Seoul committed to investing about $350 billion in the US manufacturing industry, an issue that will be central to Cho's talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.