North Korea rejects IAEA resolution, calls nuclear status irreversible

September 19, 2026 at 08:29 AM1 min

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North Korea's Foreign Ministry dismissed an IAEA resolution criticizing its nuclear weapons program, calling its nuclear power status irreversible. Kim Yo Jong accused the agency of double standards, while South Korea and the US signaled openness to dialogue with Pyongyang.

Key Facts

North Korea's Foreign Ministry said its status as a nuclear power is irreversible and backed by its nuclear deterrent.
Kim Yo Jong accused the IAEA of double standards and said its biased viewpoint is causing the collapse of the international nuclear non-proliferation system.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Friday that US President Donald Trump wants dialogue with Pyongyang and Seoul will facilitate potential talks.
Trump said last month that he plans to meet Kim Jong Un later this year.

North Korean Response

The North Korean Foreign Ministry dismissed the IAEA resolution on Saturday, according to KCNA. A foreign ministry spokesperson said the resolution 'cooked up by the US and the West has no effect on the DPRK's position as a nuclear weapons state.' Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, accused the nuclear watchdog of turning a blind eye to US and South Korean nuclear activities. She specifically cited South Korea's 'nuclear submarine introduction plan' as an example of double standards.

Diplomatic Overtures

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Friday that US President Donald Trump wants dialogue with Pyongyang. Lee said Seoul will work to facilitate potential talks between Washington and Pyongyang. Trump, seeking to revive his relationship with Kim Jong Un, said last month he plans to meet the North Korean leader later this year.