North Korea Rejects IAEA Nuclear Resolution, Defending Its Irreversible Status

The North Korean Foreign Ministry has officially rejected a resolution from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that condemns Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons programme. In a statement via the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Saturday, the ministry declared that its position as a nuclear power remains permanent and safeguarded by its nuclear deterrent.

Meanwhile, Kim Yo Jong, sister to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, issued a separate statement criticizing the UN nuclear watchdog for applying double standards. She argued that the IAEA exhibits a biased perspective that undermines the international nuclear non-proliferation system. According to Kim Yo Jong, the watchdog ignores the nuclear proliferation activities of the United States and South Korea, particularly pointing to a nuclear submarine introduction plan, while unfairly targeting North Korea's legitimate nuclear actions.

The North Korean Foreign Ministry further claimed that hostile forces attempted to dismantle the nation's nuclear capabilities during the IAEA's general conference this week. A spokesperson for the ministry stated that the Western-backed resolution holds no sway over the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and its established identity as a nuclear weapons state.

State media also highlighted that Kim Jong Un recently completed a three-day inspection of key munitions factories. Analysts note that North Korea continues to modernize its military following a 2024 mutual defence treaty with Russia, bolstered by combat insights from troops deployed in Ukraine. Additionally, Kim Jong Un addressed propaganda workers in Pyongyang on Friday, emphasizing that modern ideological warfare requires creative and aggressive approaches.

Amid these developments, diplomatic overtures have emerged. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stated on Friday that US President Donald Trump is interested in dialogue with Pyongyang, with Seoul aiming to support potential talks. Trump, who seeks to rekindle ties established during his first term, noted last month that he hopes to meet the North Korean leader later this year, stressing the importance of diplomacy given Pyongyang's stockpile of powerful nuclear weapons.