Kim vows to 'irreversibly' cement North Korea's nuclear status
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
North Korea's Kim Jong Un vowed to irreversibly cement the country's nuclear weapons and missile expansion.
AI Summary
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to irreversibly cement his country's nuclear weapons status during a recent speech. Kim expressed pride in North Korea's rapid expansion of nuclear weapons and missiles in recent years, describing the buildup as the "right" choice. The declaration underscores Pyongyang's commitment to maintaining its nuclear arsenal despite international sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
GlobalNorth Korea's Kim Jong Un gifted gun by Belarusian leader
The Belarusian and North Korean leaders exchanged gifts as they met to sign a friendship treaty. Alexander #Lukashenko aims to strengthen ties with #Russia allies while normalizing his relationship with the #US.
GlobalBelarusian President Lukashenko arrives in North Korea for talks with Kim Jong Un - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipAFBVV95cUxPMTBOcTZaaTF5OGJwNE9XblBjNmlSTnlOZHg3YzhlaXVvOE9tVE5YdDBUMjZDd0NHdDZGcGZ3T3RDWmpnbEpRM1B1S1hRaEhPdmN1Q290d2JFOHJDc3E2VFRCekFKYy1DajVxMjdLX2ZwUWhmWkI0Z21hdk1VRW9YMmdzU2c0cGFoaWo0YlRIaG1BRGpYem1HN1NZa2l0dnJJc3JpUQ?oc=5" target="_blank">Belarusian President Lukashenko arrives in North Korea for talks with Kim Jong Un</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
National SecurityNorth Korea conducts engine test for missile capable of reaching U.S. mainland
While the test was in line with Kim's stated goal of acquiring more agile, hard-to-detect missiles targeting the U.S. and its allies, some experts speculate North Korea's claim may be an exaggeration.
Civil RightsUS law enforcement foils plot to assassinate Palestinian American activist
<p>Nerdeen Kiswani, founder of Within Our Lifetime group, says FBI told her plot against her life was ‘about to’ take place</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST&utm_campaign=BN22326&utm_content=signup&utm_term=standfirst&utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB">Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox</a></p></li></ul><p>Federal US law enforcement has foiled a plot to assassinate New York-based Palestinian American activist Nerdeen Kiswani.</p><p>Kiswani wrote in <a href="https://x.com/NerdeenKiswani/status/2037553693961093174">post on X</a> that late on Thursday, the FBI joint terrorism task force informed her that a plot against her life was “about to” take place, and that agents had conducted an operation in Hoboken, New Jersey in connection to the plot.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/...
Government TransparencyFlying blind: Honolulu officials held off evacuations as North Shore flooded - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiqwFBVV95cUxQWmlNRXlHMW9UTDRPSVREYXNXRm1IR2pCaVhOM3puclBDUW9QQUhzSjRSM0xHcnp0NmFiVmlTQ0tiSGpMTEVZLUEyNXRfWVRFc0ZHLVU5Y09UbnZqcHVjdXkzdmE4X3ZjUWJQa1ZMOGc3MG84NlRvdTRudWJ3aUJ2YTBVTTRPSEd0SEstOTFvRkRLOEozZWtlb1hxS3BpZWFJRVdvTXFRNXVGdkU?oc=5" target="_blank">Flying blind: Honolulu officials held off evacuations as North Shore flooded</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
North Carolina’s photo voter ID mandate can continue as a judge upholds the law - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMinwFBVV95cUxQZ0l4UWM0TzBzakZzSGpOTEstRVNXeHMzajRzV2hJY1A0LVptbzE3d0F6U0p0RFU3aVNIVXUwbG5ONjVIR01VLVVyQzJ3OF9teWxFYWJ0RGFBRWFIZmVnQk9DZzcwTXpFVl9wT21CQnNRYXpDX2ppbnRmbVhDSWtvVDJKeUlVLTl1clltSDBkMFh3UXl6ZXFqVkk5ekdRT28?oc=5" target="_blank">North Carolina’s photo voter ID mandate can continue as a judge upholds the law</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
Trump posts video of massive bombing in Iran's Isfahan
President Trump posted a video of a strike in Iran's central city of Isfahan, which is the home to one of three nuclear facilities attacked by the U.S. military in June 2025. CBS News' Olivia Gazis and Elizabeth Palmer report.
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Senate deal reached to cap insulin costs
'The gravest crime against humanity': What does the UN vote on slavery mean?
Pentagon will remove media offices after judge reinstates NYT's press credentials
At Pentagon Christian service, Hegseth prays for violence 'against those who deserve no mercy'
After 16 years and $8 billion, the military's new GPS software still doesn't work
