North Korea claims a U.S. nuclear submarine in South Korea poses a serious threat

North Korea’s defense ministry announced on Tuesday that the United States is once again creating a significant security threat by deploying a nuclear submarine to a South Korean port. According to the KCNA news agency, the North’s military is prepared to take any necessary actions in response.

An unnamed spokesperson for the North Korean defense ministry described the arrival of a U.S. nuclear submarine in the Korean Peninsula as a “clear indication of the U.S.’s persistent confrontational attitude” towards North Korea.

The statement, reported by KCNA, expressed serious concern regarding what it termed a “dangerous hostile military act” by the U.S., which could escalate tensions in the region and potentially lead to armed conflict. The North’s military asserted that it would “not hesitate to exercise its legitimate right to respond to provocateurs,” although no further details were provided.

In response, South Korea’s defense ministry confirmed that the USS Alexandria submarine arrived at Busan port on Monday for supplies and crew rest, viewing it as an opportunity for enhanced naval cooperation and defense readiness between the two nations.

The South Korean military refrained from commenting on the North’s statement. The U.S. Navy has indicated that the fast attack nuclear-powered submarine is part of the Pacific Fleet and is equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles. North Korea frequently condemns the presence of U.S. military assets and the joint exercises conducted by U.S. and South Korean forces. On Sunday, it warned of “undesirable consequences” in response to a series of drills carried out by the allies.

The spokesperson for the North’s defense ministry did not address the recent live-fire exercises carried out in collaboration by the South Korean and U.S. military at a firing range located south of the heavily fortified Korean border, which have been ongoing since last week.

Since Donald Trump began his second term last month, the North has intensified its confrontational language, despite his indications of a willingness to engage in direct discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.