DPRK rejects IAEA resolution on its nuclear program

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
19 Sep 2026 10:30

The DPRK rejects an IAEA resolution calling for an end to nuclear activities, reaffirming its nuclear status as enshrined in state law.

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DPRK flags are carried during a celebration of the nation's 73rd founding anniversary in Pyongyang, DPRK on Sept. 9, 2021. (AP)

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) firmly rejected a resolution adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding its nuclear program.

The DPRK's Foreign Ministry said the country’s current status is based on its “effective nuclear deterrence” and is permanently enshrined in the supreme law of the state. Pyongyang also stressed that it would continue to defend its sovereignty and core interests and confront external threats.

The IAEA adopted the resolution during its 70th General Conference in Vienna, affirming that the DPRK cannot enjoy the status of a nuclear-weapon state under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and calling on Pyongyang to halt activities related to its nuclear program.

On September 8, 2022, the North Korean parliament adopted a new law on the country’s nuclear weapons policy, formally enshrining its status as a nuclear-armed state and establishing a legal framework for the use of such weapons.

Since then, Pyongyang has repeatedly affirmed that its nuclear status is irreversible and that any future negotiations cannot begin with nuclear disarmament as a precondition.

Nuclear destroyer joins DPRK arsenal

Last week, Pyongyang unveiled its newest warship, with Leader Kim Jong Un announcing that it would form part of its nuclear deterrent system and could carry out "devastating retaliatory strikes," according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony for the new destroyer in the eastern coastal city of Wonsan, Kim said deploying the warship at sea off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula would send a "clear message" to the DPRK's adversaries, according to the agency.

"It is time to exercise our sovereignty at sea and underwater," Kim said.

KCNA reported that the Kang Kon, a 5,000-ton destroyer, is the second warship of its class to enter service after the launch of the Choe Hyon on the west coast of the DPRK about three months ago.