North Korea Declares Nuclear Status ‘Irreversible’ After IAEA Rebuke

North Korea Declares Nuclear Status ‘Irreversible’ After IAEA Rebuke

North Korea has declared its status as a nuclear power “irreversible” after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) adopted a resolution criticizing Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons programme.

North Korea’s Foreign Ministry rejected the IAEA resolution, saying the country’s nuclear status is backed by its nuclear deterrent and does not require recognition from the United States, Western countries or the nuclear watchdog.

Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, accused the IAEA of double standards and criticized its position on North Korea’s nuclear activities. She also cited what Pyongyang describes as external nuclear threats.

The IAEA resolution reaffirmed that North Korea cannot have nuclear-weapons-state status under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and called for an end to its nuclear-related activities.

The latest exchange highlights continuing tensions over North Korea’s nuclear programme and international efforts to prevent further nuclear proliferation on the Korean Peninsula.