US Warns North Korea Against Nuclear Attacks

People watch a light display on the Gwanghwamun Gate of Gyeongbok Palace, during the opening night of the Seoul Winter Festa in Seoul on December 15, 2023. (Photo by ANTHONY WALLACE / AFP)
People watch a light display on the Gwanghwamun Gate of Gyeongbok Palace, during the opening night of the Seoul Winter Festa in Seoul on December 15, 2023. (Photo by ANTHONY WALLACE / AFP)
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US Warns North Korea Against Nuclear Attacks

People watch a light display on the Gwanghwamun Gate of Gyeongbok Palace, during the opening night of the Seoul Winter Festa in Seoul on December 15, 2023. (Photo by ANTHONY WALLACE / AFP)
People watch a light display on the Gwanghwamun Gate of Gyeongbok Palace, during the opening night of the Seoul Winter Festa in Seoul on December 15, 2023. (Photo by ANTHONY WALLACE / AFP)

The United States has warned North Korea that any nuclear attack against the nation or its allies "is unacceptable and will result in the end of the (Kim Jong) Un regime," a joint US-South Korean statement said on Saturday.

"The US side reiterated that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the ROK will be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response," the statement said.

The second US-Republic of Korea Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) convened in Washington on Friday for talks on nuclear deterrence as part of a commitment by the two countries to share more insight into planning in the event of conflict with North Korea. Pyongyang has developed and tested a range of ballistic missiles that can reach targets in South Korea, Japan and the US mainland.

Kim Tae-hyo, South Korea's deputy national security adviser said on Friday that North Korea may test-launch an intercontinental ballistic missile this month, which was considered a nuclear threat regardless of its range because it can carry a nuclear warhead.

The third NCG will be convened in Korea next summer.

Meanwhile, a North Korean diplomatic delegation is visiting China for talks on strengthening cooperation, North Korean state media said on Saturday.



Iran Says Continuing Uranium Enrichment on Its Soil 'Red Line'

People walk at the Grand Bazaar in Tehran on June 3, 2025. (AFP)
People walk at the Grand Bazaar in Tehran on June 3, 2025. (AFP)
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Iran Says Continuing Uranium Enrichment on Its Soil 'Red Line'

People walk at the Grand Bazaar in Tehran on June 3, 2025. (AFP)
People walk at the Grand Bazaar in Tehran on June 3, 2025. (AFP)

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday that Iran's right to enrich uranium on its soil was a "red line" after the United States submitted its proposal for a new nuclear deal.

"Continuing enrichment on Iranian soil is our red line," Araghchi said while on a visit to Lebanon, adding that his country will respond to the proposal in the coming days based on Iran's "principled positions and the interests of the Iranian people".

US President Donald Trump on Monday reiterated that Iran will not be allowed any enrichment of uranium under a potential deal with Washington.

Araghchi said the US proposal, submitted through mediator Oman, has "many ambiguities and questions".

On Saturday, Iran said it received "elements" of a US proposal for a nuclear deal following five rounds of talks that started in April and were mediated by Oman.

Uranium enrichment has remained a key point of contention between Washington and Tehran in the talks to seal a nuclear deal, with Iran defending what it says is its right to pursue a peaceful nuclear energy program and the US calling it a "red line".

"We will not ask anyone for permission to continue enriching uranium in Iran. However, we are ready to take steps... to ensure that this enrichment will not lead to the production of nuclear weapons," Araghchi said.

Araghchi was visiting Beirut following a stop in Cairo on Monday, where he met with Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Grossi on Monday called for more transparency from Iran following a leaked report that showed Tehran had increased production of highly enriched uranium.

The IAEA report showed that Iran has ramped up production of uranium enriched up to 60 percent purity -- close to the roughly 90 percent level needed for atomic weapons.

Western countries, including the United States, have long accused Iran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons, while Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.