North Korea learns from Iran's military vulnerabilities amid US involvement
- The US recently bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities, which has drawn North Korea's attention.
- North Korea has increased its nuclear capabilities and declared itself a nuclear power, while Iran has faced military challenges due to its non-nuclear status.
- This situation reinforces North Korea's belief that possessing nuclear weapons prevents military vulnerability and prompts them to consider strengthening ties with Iran.
Following the US bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities, North Korea is closely monitoring the situation, drawing lessons for its own nuclear program. The bombing incident, which targeted three fortified sites, serves as a crucial case study for Kim Jong Un's regime, demonstrating the consequences faced by states nearing nuclear capability without the security of possessing such weapons. While both North Korea and Iran are treated as parallel nuclear threats by the US and its allies, their responses have diverged significantly; North Korea has embraced its nuclear capacity and declared itself a nuclear power, while Iran has faced military vulnerabilities due to its lack of nuclear weapons. Analysts suggest that North Korea’s observation of Iran’s plight may reinforce its belief that achieving full nuclear capability is essential for national security. The Kim regime has noted how Iran's strategic missteps have been exploited through superior military tactics by its adversaries. This analysis further indicates that North Korea might strengthen ties with Iran, potentially assisting in the latter's missile capabilities as a counter to US and Israeli actions in the region. As tensions escalate, North Korea's stance affirms its commitment to its nuclear strategy, asserting that it is unyielding in its resolve to maintain its weapons program despite international pressure.