North Korea has responded to the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new Supreme Leader. He replaced his father, Ayatollah Khamenei, who was killed in an attack carried out by the United States (US) and Israel on February 28.

The government led by Kim Jong Un stated that it respects Iran’s decision in choosing its new supreme leader. In its statement, North Korea also accused the United States and Israel of undermining regional peace and stability.

“We respect the rights and choices of the Iranian people in selecting their supreme leader,” said an unnamed spokesperson for Pyongyang’s Foreign Ministry, as quoted by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

“The United States and Israel have destroyed the foundations of regional peace and security and increased instability across the world,” the spokesperson added.

Furthermore, the spokesperson argued that the United States and Israel had violated Iran’s “political system and territorial integrity.” They were even accused of attempting to “overthrow its social system.”

“Such actions deserve condemnation and rejection from the international community because they can never be tolerated,” the official added.

For decades, the United States has led efforts to dismantle North Korea’s nuclear program. However, summit meetings, sanctions, and diplomatic pressure have produced only limited results.

In recent months, the administration of US President Donald Trump has attempted to revive high-level talks with Pyongyang, hoping to arrange a summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un. After largely ignoring the offer for several months, Kim Jong Un recently stated that the two countries could “get along” if Washington accepts Pyongyang’s nuclear status.

Cruise Missile Test

Meanwhile, Pyongyang’s state media reported on Wednesday that the North Korean leader oversaw another launch test of a strategic cruise missile from the naval destroyer Choe Hyon. The country conducted a similar missile test from the same vessel last week, claiming it is in the process of “arming its navy with nuclear weapons.”

“Emphasizing the importance of expanding strong and reliable nuclear war deterrence,” KCNA said while referring to Kim Jong Un’s directive.