Amidst the escalating tensions between North Korea and the United States, Pyongyang has dispatched a high-level economic delegation to Iran, its first known talks since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This delegation, led by External Economic Relations Minister Yun Jung Ho, signals North Korea’s efforts to bolster its ties with nations opposed to the US. The visit aligns with leader Kim Jong Un’s strategy to break out of diplomatic isolation and join a united front against the US, as evidenced by his recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia’s Far East. Earlier this month, Kim hosted top Chinese official Zhao Leji, highlighting the growing military cooperation between China and North Korea. However, the latest round of US-South Korean military drills has prompted a strong reaction from Kim’s influential sister, Kim Yo Jong, who vowed that the drills would not deter North Korea’s pursuit of military strength. The international community remains vigilant amidst concerns raised by US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield about the potential for military cooperation between North Korea, Iran, and Russia, especially in light of Iran’s alleged supply of drones to Russia in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
High-Level North Korean Delegation Departs for Iran
