North Korea's New Nuclear Policy Mandates Automatic Strike if Kim Assassinated

Severity: High (Score: 71.0)

Sources: Presstv.Ir, English.Gujaratsamachar, www.telegraph.co.uk, Foxnews

Summary

North Korea has amended its constitution to require an automatic nuclear strike if leader Kim Jong-un is killed or incapacitated by foreign adversaries. This change, revealed during the Supreme People's Assembly session on March 22, follows the recent assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli operation. The revised Article 3 of North Korea's nuclear policy law states that a nuclear strike must be launched 'automatically and immediately' if the command-and-control system is threatened. Experts suggest this amendment formalizes existing contingency plans, indicating heightened fears of a decapitation strike against North Korea's leadership. The North Korean government has also intensified its rhetoric against South Korea, labeling it as its primary enemy. This constitutional change reflects a significant shift in North Korea's military posture amid escalating global tensions. Key Points: • North Korea's constitution now mandates a nuclear strike if Kim Jong-un is killed. • The amendment follows the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, raising concerns in Pyongyang. • Experts believe the policy formalizes existing contingency plans for nuclear retaliation.

Key Entities

• Operation Epic Fury (campaign)
• Iran (country)
• Israel (country)
• North Korea (country)
• South Korea (country)
• United States (country)