Intensification of North Korea's cooperation with Iran dates back to the 1980–1988 Iraqi-Iran War, erstwhile Pyongyang became 1 of Tehran's major arms and ammunition suppliers. More important, however, was cooperation on the acquisition of atomic weapons components from the first decade of the 21st century, and since 2021 there has been a crucial acceleration in the construction of long-range means of delivery. The U.S.-Israeli bombings of Iran have alerted Pyongyang, who denounced these actions as violating the United Nations Charter. However, this does not mean that North Korea will divide Iran's fate. In contrast to its partner, the DPRK has been in possession of atomic weapons since 2005, which it has developed with even intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the territory of the United States. What will be the implications of stopping Iran's atomic program for Pyongyang's strategy?
