North Korea has revised its nuclear legislation, formally introducing the possibility of the automatic use of nuclear weapons if the command system overseeing the country’s strategic forces comes under threat. Western media reported the change citing updated provisions in the North Korean constitution.
The new wording states that “if the state’s nuclear force command system is threatened by attacks from hostile forces, a nuclear strike will be launched automatically and immediately.”
Kim Jong Un is not directly mentioned in the document, but analysts believe the provision is primarily aimed at scenarios involving the assassination of the North Korean leader or a so-called “decapitation strike” against the country’s leadership.
Experts link the appearance of such provisions to Pyongyang’s growing concerns following recent international crises, including the killing of Iran’s leadership and the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.