Did North Korea Just Label Israel's Attack on Iran a 'Hideous Act'?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- North Korea condemned Israel's air strike on Iran as a 'hideous act.'
- Israel is viewed as a 'cancer-like' threat to Middle Eastern peace.
- Both nations have historical ties dating back to 1973.
- Arms support between North Korea and Iran reflects their joint opposition to the US.
- The situation highlights the rising tensions in the region.
Seoul, June 19 (NationPress) On Thursday, North Korea vehemently criticized Israel's recent air assault on Iran, deeming it a 'hideous act' of aggression. The regime asserted that Israel, under the support of the United States and its Western allies, is a 'cancer-like' force that jeopardizes peace in the Middle East.
A representative from North Korea's foreign ministry expressed 'serious' concerns regarding Israel's military actions against Iran, condemning these actions for escalating the risk of an all-out conflict in the region, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
'The current dire situation evident to the world demonstrates that Israel, under the patronage of the US and the West, operates as a cancerous entity threatening peace in the Middle East and is a primary perpetrator of disrupting global tranquility.' These words were attributed to the official by KCNA.
North Korea characterized Israel's offensive against Iran as a 'hideous act of aggression' that infringes upon the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a legitimate state, labeling it an 'unpardonable crime against humanity.'
'The Zionists, who have instigated a new war in the Middle East, along with the clandestine powers supporting them, will be held entirely accountable for undermining international peace and security.' This was stated by the North Korean official.
Having established diplomatic relations in 1973, North Korea and Iran maintain strong ties while facing global sanctions due to their weapons programs. Reports from Yonhap news agency indicate that both nations have supplied arms to Russia in its conflict against Ukraine.
In response to rising tensions in the Middle East, North Korea openly criticized Israel and extended support to Iran and Syria, reinforcing its anti-US position.
In the initial reaction from the North regarding the recent Israel-Iran conflict, an official from Seoul's unification ministry noted, 'It is significant that North Korea condemned Israel so forcefully while moderating its criticism of the US.'