North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has slammed the US's war on Iran , saying its arch-rival was "committing state terror and acts of aggression all over the world".
Kim spoke at the People's Assembly on Monday, after his 're-election' as North Korea's leader last week with 99.9 percent of the 'vote', where he said his next step would be to "cement" his country's nuclear status.
Addressing the US-Israeli war on Iran, he slammed the turmoil the conflict had created, saying the "dignity and rights of sovereign states are helplessly trampled upon by unilateral coercion and tyranny".
He also appeared to use this surprise act of aggression to justify North Korea's own arsenal, with the US-Israel using the pretext of Tehran's alleged plans to build a nuclear weapon as justification for their intervention.
"Today's reality clearly demonstrates the legitimacy of our nation’s strategic choice and decision to reject the enemies' sweet talk and permanently secure our nuclear arsenal," he told the assembly.
"I affirm that our nation is no longer a country under threat — we now possess the power to pose a threat if necessary. The solid construction of the nuclear shield firmly guarantees and drives the development of all sectors of the country, including the economy and culture, as well as the improvement of the people’s lives."
He also said North Korea's status as a nuclear power makes it less likely to be a victim of outside aggression, likely referring to the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has no nuclear arsenal of its own.
"The dignity of the state, national interests, and ultimate victory are guaranteed only by the strongest power," he said. "Our government will continue to resolutely solidify its status as a nuclear power."
North Korea had condemned the US-Israeli assault on Iran, shortly after it was launched on 28 February, suggesting that its own nuclear arsenal was a "guarantee" that it would not share the same fate as Tehran.
While not allies, North Korea and Iran, as enemies of the US, have established a 'strategic partnership', with Pyongyang allegedly sharing military technology, including on missiles, with Tehran.
The US has reportedly shifted anti-aircraft systems, such as THAAD, from South Korea, as Iran fires hundreds of missiles and drones at MENA cities, as well as US and Israeli military facilities.
North Korea does not have any diplomatic relations with Israel, and the two countries are seen as having a hostile relationship.
North Korea has previously described Israel as an " occupying curse " and a "disturber of peace" in the Middle East.