North Korea has asserted that its nuclear weapons program is a vital guarantee of its sovereignty, directly linking it to perceived hostility from the United States. A spokesperson for the DPRK Foreign Ministry, via state news agency KCNA, stated that US actions are fueling rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The statement frames the nuclear program not as an aggressive act, but as a defensive measure necessitated by Washington’s policies. This declaration underscores Pyongyang’s continued justification for developing and maintaining its nuclear arsenal. It further indicates a lack of willingness to denuclearize without perceived security guarantees. The rhetoric suggests an escalation in tensions and a hardening of North Korea’s position regarding negotiations with the US. This statement highlights the ongoing cycle of accusations and justifications surrounding the nuclear issue.