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North Korea fired ballistic missiles into the ocean on Sunday, accelerating its missile testing amid rising tensions related to Iran’s conflict and rumors of potential meetings with the U.S. and South Korea. Pyongyang’s increased missile activity—this being the fourth launch this month and the seventh in the year—is viewed by analysts as a demonstration of its defensive strength and a move to strengthen its international standing.
Experts suggest these missile tests serve to showcase North Korea’s self-defense capabilities, setting it apart from Iran, according to Kim Ki-jung, a former security adviser to South Korea’s president. “The missile launches could be a way for North Korea to prove that, unlike Iran, it possesses credible self-defense systems,” he explained. “It also seems designed to exert pressure and display strength ahead of any negotiations with the U.S. and South Korea,” he added.
With the ongoing seven-week conflict between the U.S. and Israel against Iran—aimed at limiting Tehran’s nuclear ambitions—some speculate that North Korea’s nuclear program may be emboldened by the turmoil. Both U.S. President Donald Trump, during preparation for a summit in China next month, and South Korean leader Lee Jae Myung have shown interest in meeting with Kim Jong Un; however, no official plans have been announced.
Sunday’s missile launches originated near Sinpo on North Korea’s eastern coast, traveling approximately 140 km (about 90 miles) before landing in the sea, South Korea’s military reported. Japan indicated that the missiles likely fell close to the Korean Peninsula’s eastern coast, with no impact on Japan’s exclusive economic zone confirmed. South Korea’s presidential office condemned the launches as provocative acts, violating UN Security Council resolutions, and called for Pyongyang to cease such actions.
Details about the missile types remain unclear, but Sinpo hosts submarines and equipment capable of testing submarine-launched ballistic missiles. North Korea’s previous submarine missile launch occurred in May 2022, reaching distances of up to 600 km (around 370 miles). Additionally, the International Atomic Energy Agency’s chief, Rafael Grossi, noted that Pyongyang has made significant advances in nuclear weapon production, possibly including a new uranium enrichment facility. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un earlier in March affirmed the country’s irreversible nuclear status and emphasized the importance of expanding its “self-defensive nuclear deterrent” for national security.
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