Kim Jong Un: North Korea's status as a nuclear state is "irreversible"

SadaNews - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated that Pyongyang will not change its status as a nuclear-armed state, according to the official Korean Central News Agency on Tuesday.

In a political speech delivered on Monday at the legislative assembly in Pyongyang, the North Korean president addressed a range of issues, from nuclear weapons and defense policy to economic objectives and relations with South Korea and the United States, according to the agency.

Kim Jong Un said, "We will continue to solidify our status as a nuclear-armed state as an irreversible course, while intensifying our struggle against hostile forces vigorously," according to AFP.

He also asserted that what the United States is doing amounts to "state terrorism" and "aggression," likely referring to the Middle East war that erupted due to American and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

He said, "In accordance with the mission assigned to us under the Constitution of the Republic (North Korea), we will continue to develop and strengthen our nuclear capabilities for self-defense," adding that the development of a nuclear arsenal is "entirely justified."

He stated that Pyongyang will ensure "full operational readiness" of its nuclear forces to confront "strategic threats."

Regarding South Korea, Kim said North Korea will respond "without mercy" if South Korea violates its rights, describing it as "the most hostile state."

He continued, "We will classify South Korea as the most hostile state... Pyongyang will make it pay the price mercilessly, without the slightest consideration or hesitation, for any action that violates our Republic."