North Korea launches ballistic missile amid nuclear program dispute

North Korea has launched a ballistic missile off its eastern coast, marking its second test in approximately one week. The launch was detected near Wonsan and landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. South Korea and Japan have condemned the action, calling it a serious violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and demanding that Pyongyang cease such provocations.

This military activity follows North Korea's rejection of a recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) resolution condemning its nuclear program. Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, accused the IAEA of applying “double standards” and undermining the international non-proliferation regime. She further criticized the agency for overlooking U.S. nuclear-related activities and South Korea's plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.

The North Korean Foreign Ministry has reaffirmed that the country's status as a nuclear power is “irreversible” and that it has no intention of negotiating its denuclearization. Tensions in the region remain high following recent U.S.-led naval exercises involving South Korea and Japan.