North Korea's Resolute Retaliation Against Pentagon's 'Persistent' Threat Label

North Korea has vowed to respond strongly to a recent Pentagon report that labeled it a "persistent" threat due to its weapons of mass destruction. The report also highlighted China, Russia, Iran, and violent extremist organizations as regional threats. North Korea criticized the US for revealing its "dangerous intention for aggression" and threatened to counter any US aggression with an overwhelming and sustained response. Concerns have also arisen about North Korea's potential weapons transfer deal with Russia, violating UN Security Council resolutions. North Korea's nuclear program has gained urgency, with over 100 missile tests conducted since the beginning of 2022. South Korea warned that any attempt by North Korea to use nuclear weapons would result in the end of the Kim government. The Pentagon report highlighted North Korea's mobile nuclear capabilities and chemical warfare agents as security threats. The US and South Korea have responded with joint military exercises and temporary deployments, which North Korea considers provocations.