North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles Again Amid Iran War Tensions, Raising Regional Alarm
North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles into the sea on Sunday, marking its fourth launch this month and the seventh this year, as global tensions remain high due to the ongoing Iran war and renewed diplomatic activity involving the United States and South Korea.
South Korea’s military said the missiles were launched from the Sinpo area on the east coast around 6:10 a.m. local time and flew approximately 140 kilometres before landing in the sea. Japan confirmed no missiles entered its exclusive economic zone.
Experts say the rapid pace of testing is aimed at demonstrating North Korea’s self-defence capabilities and strengthening its bargaining position ahead of possible diplomatic talks. Some analysts also suggest Pyongyang is using the Iran conflict as a strategic reference point to highlight its own nuclear deterrence.
The launches come as US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung have both expressed interest in engaging North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, although no formal talks are scheduled.
Meanwhile, North Korea continues to expand its nuclear programme, with reports of advanced uranium enrichment activity and repeated claims that its nuclear status is “irreversible.”
Officials in South Korea condemned the missile launches as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and called for an immediate halt to provocative actions.
