The story of the North Korean leader's involvement in the Iran war

By March 2026, there has been no direct military intervention between North Korea and Iran, but North Korea has issued strong diplomatic responses regarding the attacks on Iran by American and Israeli forces. This is due to the conflict, which began in late February, leading to the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and its escalation into a military situation known by names such as "Operation Epic Fury".

Iran is a major remaining ally for North Korea in the Middle East, and there is a long-standing relationship between the two countries concerning missile technology and arms deals.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has not issued any direct official statements regarding this matter, and all official responses have been released solely through the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the state media 'KCNA'. On March 1, 2026, the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the American and Israeli attacks as an "illegal aggression" and a "barbaric act". Subsequently, in another statement issued on March 11 and 12, it expressed its respect for the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's new Supreme Leader and commented on the threats to global peace while supporting Iran's sovereignty.

However, news circulating on social media claiming that Kim Jong Un stated he would join the war if North Korean citizens were harmed or provide missiles to destroy Israel has been confirmed to be completely false. International fact-finding reports indicate that this information was created using old video footage and fake headlines. No credible international media or North Korean state media has reported any such direct threatening statement from Kim Jong Un.

Although no direct statements have been made, critics point out that Kim Jong Un has used this Iranian crisis as a powerful propaganda tool to justify his country's nuclear program. North Korea claims that Iran was subjected to such an attack due to its lack of strong nuclear power, further emphasizing that nuclear weapons are essential for protection against Western influence. Concurrently, North Korea has also conducted tests of nuclear-capable cruise missiles from a new warship, demonstrating its military strength.

This global situation has indirectly benefited North Korea, as Iran's focus on its own security has led Russia to rely more heavily on North Korea for the supply of necessary military equipment. Although Kim Jong Un had previously expressed some willingness to negotiate with the United States, the current situation has reduced the likelihood of such talks in the near future. Through this crisis, North Korea is further solidifying its "nuclear shield" concept, which experts warn will further escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula.