A pro-North Korea newspaper in Japan has advised nations to distance themselves from the United States to safeguard their national interests amidst the US-Iran conflict and Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Choson Sinbo, in its commentary, highlighted that reliance on the US-led international order could jeopardize countries’ interests due to the blockade of the vital waterway and fluctuating oil prices. The newspaper recommended that countries step back from a self-interested and ally-focused US and prioritize their own interests.
North Korea seems to be reinforcing its stance against the US-led global order while endorsing a multipolar world system. However, North Korean state media have not directly targeted US President Donald Trump by name. The Rodong Sinmun, the primary newspaper for North Korean readers, has not covered the US-Iran conflict, as reported by Yonhap news agency. South Korea’s intelligence agency suggested that North Korea might be distancing itself from Iran to maintain diplomatic flexibility with the US, citing instances like not sending condolences over Iran’s former supreme leader’s death.
The Navy of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) has cautioned that any provocative actions by the “enemy” in the Strait of Hormuz will have severe repercussions. Through a social media post on X, the IRGC’s Navy shared drone surveillance footage of the strait, asserting complete control over all activities in the region. They warned that any misstep by the enemy in the strait would lead to dire consequences, emphasizing their readiness to counter any threats effectively.
