North Korea Vows Continued Nuclear Deterrent Buildup, Deputy Defense Minister Says

North Korean Deputy Defense Minister Kim Kang-il reiterated Pyongyang's commitment to strengthening its nuclear deterrent, framing its nuclear state status as an indisputable reality. This is a continuation of established rhetoric rather than a new development, but it reinforces the trajectory of North Korea's nuclear program amid stalled denuclearization talks. The statement signals no policy shift and carries implications for regional security dynamics and sanctions enforcement.