North Korea has voiced strong support for Iran’s appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader, while sharply criticizing the United States and Israel over their ongoing military campaign against Tehran.
According to Al Jazeera English, a spokesperson for North Korea’s Foreign Ministry said Pyongyang respects Iran’s decision to elevate Mojtaba Khamenei to the highest leadership position following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei. The elder Khamenei was reportedly killed during a US-Israeli strike at the start of the war on February 28.
The North Korean official said the selection of the new leader reflects the sovereign choice of the Iranian people and should be acknowledged by the international community. “Regarding the recent official announcement that the Iranian Assembly of Experts has elected a new leader of the Islamic Revolution, we respect the right and choice of the Iranian people to elect their Supreme Leader,” the spokesperson said.
Pyongyang also issued a strong condemnation of Washington and Tel Aviv, accusing them of launching what it described as an unlawful military attack against Iran. The spokesperson warned that the strikes threaten regional stability and undermine international peace. “We express grave concern and strongly condemn the aggression of the United States and Israel, which, by launching an unlawful military attack against Iran, are undermining the foundations of regional peace and security and increasing instability in the international landscape,” the official stated.
North Korea further criticized the attacks as actions that violate Iran’s political system and territorial integrity, insisting that such behavior is unacceptable and should be rejected globally. Since the war began nearly two weeks ago, Pyongyang has repeatedly denounced the military offensive, previously describing it as “gangster-like conduct” in the Middle East.
Amid the growing geopolitical tensions, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was also reported to have overseen another test launch of strategic cruise missiles from the country’s newest and largest naval destroyer, the Choe Hyon. Images released by state media showed Kim observing the missile launch alongside his daughter as the test was carried out from the warship.
During the exercise, Kim stressed the importance of maintaining and strengthening North Korea’s nuclear deterrence capabilities. The missile launch marks the second time Kim has supervised weapons tests from the Choe Hyon destroyer in recent days, highlighting Pyongyang’s continued push to enhance its military power.
For decades, the United States has sought to dismantle North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, but Pyongyang has consistently insisted that its nuclear arsenal is essential to deter potential attacks from South Korea and its allies, particularly Washington.
Despite the long-running tensions, the administration of Donald Trump has recently signaled openness to resuming high-level talks with North Korea. Kim has also hinted that relations between the two countries could improve if Washington acknowledges North Korea’s status as a nuclear-armed state.
North Korea’s endorsement of Iran’s new leadership and its sharp criticism of the US-Israel campaign add another dimension to the already escalating international tensions surrounding the war in the Middle East….See More
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