North Korea has formally expressed support for Iran’s selection of a new supreme leader while condemning the United States and Israel over regional security concerns. The statement came as Pyongyang also confirmed a new strategic cruise missile launch overseen by its leader. The developments add to rising geopolitical tensions across the Middle East and East Asia.
State media in Pyongyang reported that the government respects Iran’s decision to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei as supreme leader. The position became vacant following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike on February 28.
An unnamed Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the leadership decision reflects the will of the Iranian people. The official also accused Washington and Tel Aviv of actions that undermine regional stability and violate Iran’s sovereignty.
Pyongyang, a long-time adversary of the United States, has repeatedly criticized Western involvement in Middle East conflicts. The latest remarks follow earlier denunciations of military actions targeting Iran.
The statement comes despite past indications that former US President Donald Trump wanted influence over Iran’s political direction. Tehran proceeded with its leadership transition without foreign involvement.
Separately, North Korean state outlet Korean Central News Agency reported that leader Kim Jong Un supervised the launch of strategic cruise missiles from the naval destroyer Choe Hyon. It marked the second reported missile test from the vessel in recent days.
Authorities said the weapons test forms part of efforts to strengthen naval capabilities, including systems designed to carry nuclear payloads. Kim emphasized expanding what he described as a credible nuclear deterrent.
Images released by state media showed the leader monitoring the launch remotely alongside his teenage daughter, Ju Ae, who has increasingly appeared at official engagements. South Korea’s intelligence agency previously indicated she may be positioned as a potential successor.
During the event, Kim cited progress in deploying both strategic and tactical strike systems. The military demonstration coincided with joint exercises between the United States and South Korea.
The annual drills, known as Freedom Shield, began earlier this week. North Korea warned that the exercises could trigger serious consequences, viewing them as rehearsals for potential conflict rather than routine defense training.
The Choe Hyon is one of two 5,000-ton destroyers launched last year as part of Pyongyang’s naval expansion program. Analysts say recent weapons activities may be aimed at reinforcing the country’s deterrence posture amid intensifying global security tensions.
