Geneva: North Korea has once again reaffirmed that it does not recognize any obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, declaring that its status as a nuclear weapons state is permanent and non-negotiable.
The statement was delivered during ongoing review discussions linked to the treaty at the United Nations, where North Korea’s ambassador, Kim Song, strongly rejected international criticism of Pyongyang’s nuclear programme.
According to remarks carried by North Korea’s state-run media, Kim Song accused the United States and its allies of attempting to pressure the country diplomatically while insisting that external criticism would not alter North Korea’s strategic direction.
The envoy stated that the country’s nuclear weapons status is protected under its constitution and emphasized that Pyongyang would never rejoin the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty under any circumstances.
North Korea first announced its intention to withdraw from the treaty in 1993 before formally exiting in 2003. Since then, the country has conducted multiple nuclear tests and continued to expand its missile development programme despite extensive international sanctions.
The leadership in Pyongyang has consistently defended its nuclear arsenal as essential for national security and sovereignty. Over the years, officials have repeatedly described the country’s nuclear strategy as irreversible while continuing efforts to modernize military capabilities.
State media in North Korea has also publicized military drills involving simulated tactical nuclear operations, reinforcing the country’s emphasis on strengthening deterrence capabilities. Analysts believe the nation possesses dozens of nuclear warheads and continues to improve missile systems capable of targeting both regional and international locations.
Security experts say the latest remarks appear aimed at reinforcing North Korea’s negotiating position ahead of any future diplomatic engagement involving the United States, South Korea and other regional powers.
The comments came during broader discussions reviewing the effectiveness of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which entered into force in 1970 with the goal of preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, promoting disarmament and encouraging peaceful nuclear cooperation.
While most countries in the world remain signatories to the treaty, North Korea, India, Pakistan and Israel remain outside its framework.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently warned that confidence in the global non-proliferation system is weakening amid growing geopolitical tensions and declining trust between major powers.
Recent findings from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimated that the world’s nine nuclear-armed states collectively possessed more than 12,000 nuclear warheads at the beginning of 2025. The largest arsenals continue to belong to the United States and Russia, which together account for the vast majority of global nuclear stockpiles.
Researchers have also pointed to accelerating modernization programmes among nuclear powers, including upgrades to missile systems, submarines and strategic defense infrastructure.
Meanwhile, growing military and economic cooperation between North Korea and Russia has added to international concerns. Reports have suggested that Pyongyang has provided artillery ammunition and other support linked to the conflict in Ukraine while receiving economic and technical cooperation from Moscow in return.
Observers believe the strengthening relationship between the two countries could further enhance North Korea’s defense capabilities and complicate future diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
