North Korea says it is not bound by any treaty on nuclear non-proliferation | Nuclear Weapons News
North Korea Asserts Nuclear Status at UN Conference
Published May 7, 2026
North Korea’s ambassador to the United Nations has reaffirmed the country’s position as a nuclear-armed state, stating that it will not be constrained by any treaties regarding atomic weapons. Ambassador Kim Song’s remarks were reported by state media on Thursday amid ongoing discussions at the UN regarding the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
During the 11th NPT Review Conference currently taking place at UN headquarters, Kim criticized the United States and other nations for what he characterized as unfounded challenges to North Korea’s sovereign rights. He emphasized, “The status of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea as a nuclear-armed state will not change based on external rhetorical claims or unilateral desires.”
Kim also declared that North Korea would not adhere to the NPT “under any circumstances whatsoever.” He pointed out that the country’s nuclear status has been formally enshrined in its constitution.
Since withdrawing from the NPT in 2003, North Korea has conducted six nuclear tests, leading to the imposition of multiple sanctions by the UN Security Council. The country is estimated to possess dozens of nuclear warheads and has consistently stated that it will not relinquish its nuclear arsenal, calling its nuclear path “irreversible” while pledging to enhance its capabilities.
North Korea has drawn international scrutiny for providing military support to Russia amid its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, while also reportedly receiving military technology in return.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, as of January 2025, there were 12,241 nuclear warheads possessed by nine nuclear-armed states, including North Korea, Russia, and the United States. Those two countries alone account for nearly 90 percent of the global nuclear arsenal, and both have initiated significant modernization programs in recent years.
The nuclear issue remains central to ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly between the US and Iran, with President Donald Trump asserting that Iran, a signatory to the NPT, must not pursue nuclear weapons. Iran has consistently denied any intention to develop atomic arms and has sought recognition of its right to enrich uranium.
