Could North Koreans Working in Iran Have Been Killed or Wounded in Weekend Attacks?

The recent U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites may have affected North Korean workers assisting there. Analysts warn that Kim Jong-un could retaliate if any North Koreans were harmed. South Korea is on alert, while North Korea remains steadfast in expanding its nuclear capabilities amid rising tensions. The risk of escalation remains a critical concern for regional stability.

Recent military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities have prompted questions about potential North Korean casualties. Analysts suggest that if North Koreans were involved in assisting Iran with its nuclear programs, they could have been affected during the attacks. Bruce Bennett, a long-time expert at the RAND Corporation, spoke with the Sun about the situation, mentioning that Kim Jong-un might retaliate against the United States if any of his workers suffered harm.

While North Korea vocally condemned the U.S. offensive as a breach of the UN charter, it remains silent on its own role in aiding Iran with its nuclear technology. Bennett stresses that Kim may hesitate to reveal this support, due to fears of being targeted himself. The ongoing developments emphasize North Korea’s expanding nuclear ambitions, which could prompt Kim to consider selling nuclear weapons to Iran as a way of demonstrating its defiance against U.S. intervention.

In South Korea, the fallout from these events has local leaders on high alert. President Lee Jae Myung cancelled plans to attend an upcoming NATO meeting in the Hague, instead opting to implement an emergency response due to the rising tensions in the Middle East, according to Yonhap News. With North Korea’s war history in mind, the South’s leadership is navigating a complex security landscape, especially in light of the powerful ordinance deployed in Iran.

As Kim assesses the damage from the U.S. bombers targeting Iran’s Fordow facility, he is likely considering whether these military actions could impact his own nuclear capabilities. As articulated by former U.S. diplomat Evans Revere, North Korea possesses numerous nuclear warheads, and an attack would struggle to neutralize all their resources before they could retaliate.

Revere further notes that the situation is not merely speculative; North Korea continues to advance its missile and nuclear capabilities at an alarming pace, making it a real threat on the world stage. Its focus on nuclear armament has long been a cornerstone of its national strategy, underlining the urgency of international diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing North Korean nuclear issue.

The possibility of North Korean casualties in the recent U.S. strikes raises significant concerns for regional security. Analysts are watching Kim Jong-un’s responses closely, as North Korea’s relationship with Iran and its own nuclear ambitions could have wide-ranging implications. With the situation still unfolding, the careful diplomatic navigation in the coming days will be crucial in preventing further escalations.

Original Source: www.nysun.com