Seoul [South Korea], June 19: North Korea on Thursday strongly denounced Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran, calling them a “hideous act of aggression” that could spark a broader war in West Asia.
According to a statement released by North Korea’s state-run news agency KCNA, as cited by Yonhap, the regime accused Israel—allegedly backed by the United States and Western powers—of being a “cancer-like entity” that endangers peace in the region.
A spokesperson from North Korea’s foreign ministry expressed “serious concerns” over Israel’s military operations against Iran, which entered their seventh day on Thursday. The spokesperson declared Israel’s actions a violation of Iranian sovereignty and an “unpardonable crime against humanity.”
“The present grave situation witnessed by the world clearly proves that Israel, supported and patronised by the US and the West, is a cancer-like entity for peace in the Middle East and a chief culprit of destroying global peace and security,” the spokesperson said.
North Korea and Iran have maintained close diplomatic ties since 1973. Both countries face international sanctions for their nuclear and weapons programs and have allegedly supported Russia with weapons in its war against Ukraine.
North Korea’s remarks follow recent statements by US President Donald Trump, who said his “patience has already run out” with Tehran. Trump held a high-level Situation Room meeting on Wednesday to evaluate possible US responses but has not confirmed if military action will be taken.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military confirmed that it is targeting Iran’s missile manufacturing infrastructure through “a series of strikes” in Tehran and other areas. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said air defence systems were activated in response, with strikes reported on military sites and residential areas, prompting mass evacuations in the capital.
Iran maintains that its response is in self-defence. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi told CNN, “If the Americans decide to get involved militarily, we have no choice but to retaliate wherever we find the targets necessary to be acted upon.”
Iran also confirmed it launched Sejjil-2 medium-range ballistic missiles toward Israel and imposed temporary nationwide internet restrictions.
Despite decades of nuclear development—some of it conducted in secret—Iran insists its program is for peaceful purposes.
In a televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked President Trump for his support and said Israel is “striking the ayatollahs’ regime with tremendous power,” while acknowledging “painful losses” in the conflict.
Trump remained non-committal on further US involvement: “I may do it, I may not do it… Nothing is too late.” He also hinted at significant developments within the next week.
While Trump claimed that Iran wants to resume negotiations, Tehran has denied any such intention. Trump reiterated his stance, saying the US will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons.