North Korea Rejects IAEA Resolution, Calls Nuclear Status Irreversible

North Korea has rejected a resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that criticised its nuclear weapons programme, with Kim Yo Jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong Un, accusing the UN atomic watchdog of double standards.

In a statement carried by state media KCNA, Kim Yo Jong said the IAEA's "biased viewpoint and double standards" were the fundamental factor causing the collapse of the international nuclear non-proliferation system. She claimed the agency had ignored what she described as blatant nuclear proliferation activities by the United States and South Korea's plan to introduce nuclear submarines, while forcibly adopting a resolution against North Korea's self-defensive and legitimate nuclear activities.

Separately, North Korea's Foreign Ministry dismissed the resolution and declared that the country's status as a nuclear power is irreversible and backed by its nuclear deterrent.

KCNA also reported that Kim Jong Un conducted a three-day inspection tour of major munitions factories this week. During the visit, he stressed that North Korea's artillery should both fight and deter war with the most concentrated and destructive, massive and versatile offensive capability. He added that efforts to modernise all components of the country's defence capability are bringing about a significant change in the composition and means of its armed forces.

Analysts say North Korea has been overhauling its military with Russian assistance since the two countries signed a mutual defence treaty in 2024. They note that combat experience gained by Pyongyang's troops deployed to the war in Ukraine has also aided the effort.