6 hours ago
Last Updated:June 19, 2025, 19:27 IST
The North Korean foreign spokesperson said that the present grave situation witnessed by the world clearly proves that Israel is a cancer-like entity for peace in the Middle East.
Smoke rises following an Israeli attack in Tehran, Iran. (IMAGE: REUTERS)
North Korea on Thursday backed Iran amid the ongoing tensions with Israel and condemned Tel Aviv, referring to its recent airstrike on Tehran as a “hideous act of aggression".
In an official statement carried by state-run news agency KCNA, as cited by Yonhap outlet, North Korea said that Israel is a “cancer-like" entity threatening peace in West Asia.
As Thursday marked Day 7 of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, a spokesperson at North Korea’s foreign ministry raised “serious" concerns.
The spokesperson strongly condemned Israel’s recent strike, calling it a violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and described it as an “unpardonable crime against humanity."
“The present grave situation witnessed by the world clearly proves that Israel, supported and patronised by the US and the West, is a cancer-like entity for peace in the Middle East and a chief culprit of destroying global peace and security," the Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated.
Notably, North Korea and Iran share close ties under international sanctions for their weapons programs.
According to a report by Yonhap, Pyongyang and Tehran have also provided weapons to Russia, extending support in its conflict with Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces on Thursday said it targeted Iran’s missile manufacturing capabilities and is currently conducting “a series of strikes" in Tehran and other areas of Iran.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps earlier confirmed that air defence systems had been activated over Tehran amid escalating tensions.
According to a report by CNN, Israeli airstrikes targeted military installations, infrastructure, and even residential areas in the capital — prompting many residents to flee the city.
Iran, however, insists its response is purely defensive. “Tehran’s actions are purely in self-defence, but the country remains committed to diplomacy," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated.
Speaking to CNN, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi warned of consequences if the US intervenes directly in the conflict. “If the Americans decide to get involved militarily, we have no choice but to retaliate wherever we find the targets necessary to be acted upon," he said.
“That is clear and simple. Because we are acting in self-defence," he added.
Location :North Korea
First Published:News world ‘Cancer-Like Entity’: North Korea Slams Israel, US Over Middle East Conflict
