Overview

• North Korea condemned Israel’s June 13 airstrike on Iranian nuclear and military sites as a “hideous act of aggression” that violates Iran’s sovereignty and risks a wider Middle East war.
• A foreign ministry spokesperson accused Israel, backed by the United States and Western powers, of acting like a “cancer-like entity” and warned external supporters against fanning the conflict.
• Israel initiated the military campaign with surprise strikes on Tehran’s nuclear facilities, prompting Iran to launch missile and drone attacks that have killed at least 224 people in Iran and 24 in Israel.
• US President Donald Trump has fuelled speculation about joining Israel in military action after declaring his patience with Tehran has “run out,” though he has not committed to direct strikes.
• Under longstanding sanctions ties since 1973, North Korea and Iran have deepened their partnership and supplied weapons to Russia in its war against Ukraine.