North Korea fires missile from its destroyer Kim says
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- North Korea launched a missile from its 5,000‑tonne destroyer Choe Hyon, the largest warship in its fleet.
- Kim Jong‑un said the launch proved that arming ships with nuclear weapons was “making satisfactory progress.”
- Song Seong‑jong, a Daejeon University professor and former South Korean defence official, linked Kim’s remarks to the belief that Iran’s lack of nuclear weapons left it vulnerable to US‑Israeli attacks.
- Stockholm International Peace Research Institute reported in 2025 that North Korea possesses roughly 50 nuclear warheads and enough fissile material for up to 40 additional weapons.
- North Korean foreign ministry condemned the US and Israeli airstrikes as an “illegal act of aggression” but did not name Trump.
- Trump has said he would be open to meeting Kim, fueling speculation about possible talks during his upcoming China visit.
Why it matters: Kim’s claim that ship‑borne nuclear weapons are advancing strengthens Pyongyang’s deterrence narrative, giving the regime bargaining power while pressuring the United States, which faces domestic debate over whether to engage Kim or maintain a hardline stance and complicates ongoing negotiations over North Korea’s nuclear program, potentially influencing regional security calculations.
