North Korea Respects Iran’s Decision on New Supreme Leader

North Korea has said it respects Iran’s decision to appoint a new supreme leader, while accusing United States and Israel of undermining regional peace and stability, according to state media reports on Wednesday. Pyongyang, a long-time adversary of Washington, had earlier condemned the US-Israeli strike on Iran as an “illegal act of aggression.” Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei as its new supreme leader on Sunday, succeeding his father Ali Khamenei, who an Israeli airstrike killed on February 28.

North Korea Backs Iran’s Right to Choose Supreme Leader, Slams US and Israel

In remarks carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), a spokesperson for North Korea’s Foreign Ministry said the country respects the Iranian people’s right to choose their supreme leader. The spokesperson also accused Washington and Tel Aviv of weakening the foundations of regional peace and security and fueling global instability. The official further alleged that the US and Israel were violating Iran’s political system and territorial integrity and attempting to topple its social structure. Such actions, the spokesperson said, deserve global criticism and rejection.

Also Read:Trump Iran War Update: US President Says Conflict Could End “Very Soon”

For decades, the United States has led efforts to dismantle North Korea’s nuclear programme through sanctions, diplomacy and negotiations, though these initiatives have achieved limited success.In recent months, Donald Trump’s administration has renewed efforts to restart high-level talks with Pyongyang and is discussing the possibility of another summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Meanwhile, North Korea’s state media reported that Kim supervised another test-launch of strategic cruise missiles from the naval destroyer Choe Hyon destroyer. Last week, North Korea conducted a similar test from the same vessel and said it is working to equip its navy with nuclear weapons.

Kim Oversees Missile Test Amid US–South Korea Drills

According to KCNA, Kim emphasized the need to expand a “powerful and reliable nuclear war deterrent.” Images released by state media showed him monitoring the launch remotely alongside his teenage daughter Kim Ju Ae, who is widely seen as his possible successor.The missile test came as the US and South Korea began their annual joint military exercise Freedom Shield on Monday. Pyongyang warned that the drills could lead to “unimaginably terrible consequences.” North Korea currently has two 5,000-ton destroyers, both launched last year, as Kim seeks to strengthen the navy with short-range tactical missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Analysts say the latest moves indicate Pyongyang’s efforts to justify further expansion of its war deterrence capabilities.

Also Read:Techie Rejected After 5 Rounds Over ‘Non-Tier-1’ Company