North Korea has sharply escalated its rhetoric toward the United States, exacerbating already tense relations between Pyongyang and Washington. North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un said his country was prepared to use force against the United States if the U.S. continued its “provocative military actions” against North Korea’s ally Russia. The statement, made on May 10, 2025, was the latest signal of Pyongyang’s readiness for confrontation, raising alarm in the region and beyond.

According to South Korean news agency Yonhap, Kim Jong-un's remarks came amid growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. In response, the United States and its allies, including South Korea and Japan, expanded sanctions against North Korea and conducted a series of joint military exercises in the Sea of ​​Japan, which Pyongyang perceived as a direct threat. Kim Jong-un stressed that North Korea would not "hesitate" in using military force if Washington continued its "aggressive actions."

The North Korean leader's statement comes amid recent missile tests. According to The Guardian, in May 2025, North Korea launched a medium-range ballistic missile that fell into the Sea of ​​Japan, prompting protests from Tokyo and Seoul. The South Korean military also said Pyongyang was preparing for more tests, including the possible launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the United States.

The United States has not yet responded to Kim Jong-un's statement.