Kim Jong-un Vows Continued Expansion of North Korea’s Nuclear Arsenal

(MENAFN) North Korea will continue to expand its nuclear arsenal in both size and capability, leader Kim Jong-un pledged, as stated by reports.

Speaking at a weeklong congress of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, Kim declared the country’s nuclear-armed status “irreversible and permanent” and said Pyongyang will strengthen its arsenal “as long as nuclear weapons exist on the earth” and as long as the nation faces threats from “US imperialists and their followers,” according to state media.

Kim added, “We have a long-term plan to strengthen the national nuclear force on an annual basis in the future and will concentrate on increasing the number of nuclear weapons and expanding the means and space for nuclear operation.”

During a military parade in Pyongyang on Wednesday, held as part of the party gathering, Kim warned that North Korea would “deliver terrible retaliatory attacks to any forces” infringing on the country.

Pyongyang presents its nuclear program as a deterrent against US-backed South Korea and has been the target of strict UN sanctions. Historically, both Koreas viewed each other as illegitimate regimes occupying parts of a unified nation. In 2024, North Korea declared South Korea an independent hostile state, while recent documents from Seoul suggest a gradual acceptance of the North’s nuclear status.

MENAFN26022026000045017640ID1110792866