Israel-Iran War: North Korea Enters the Fray, Picks a Side

Tensions in West Asia have taken a sharp turn, with North Korea joining the global chorus of concern over the ongoing war between Israel and Iran. In a strongly worded statement on Thursday, Pyongyang condemned the recent Israeli attacks as a “hideous act of aggression” and warned they could spark a full-blown war in the region.

The remarks, carried by North Korea’s state-run news agency KCNA and cited by South Korea’s Yonhap outlet, described Israel, supported by the United States and Western allies, as a “cancer-like entity” threatening peace and stability in the Middle East.

A spokesperson from North Korea’s foreign ministry expressed “serious concern” over Israel’s military offensive, calling it a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and an “unpardonable crime against humanity.” The spokesperson went further, accusing Israel of being the root cause of conflict in the region and a danger to global peace.

The war-like situation between Israel and Iran has now entered its seventh day, with no signs of easing. The Israeli military claims it targeted Iran’s missile manufacturing facilities and is continuing a “series of strikes” across Tehran and other locations. According to international media, the strikes have hit military sites, infrastructure, and even residential areas, prompting many in the Iranian capital to flee.

Iran, on the other hand, maintains that it is acting purely in self-defence. Its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed that Sejjil-2 medium-range ballistic missiles were fired towards Israel. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country is committed to diplomacy but will not hesitate to respond if the US enters the conflict militarily. “If the Americans decide to get involved, we will respond wherever necessary,” said Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has stated that his “patience has run out” with Tehran. After holding a high-level Situation Room meeting on Wednesday, Trump told reporters that while no final decision has been made, military action remains on the table. “I may do it, I may not,” Trump said, adding, “The next week is going to be very big—maybe even sooner.”

Despite the chaos, Iran says it remains committed to talks but warns that any military provocation will be met with force. The country has also imposed nationwide internet restrictions, possibly in anticipation of unrest.

On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Trump for standing with Israel, even as he admitted the conflict has caused “painful losses.” He vowed to continue striking Iran’s nuclear and military targets “with tremendous power.”

North Korea’s vocal support for Iran adds a new layer to the already complex situation. The two nations, long-time allies since establishing ties in 1973, have both faced international sanctions over their weapons programs and have reportedly supplied arms to Russia in its war in Ukraine.

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