The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has issued a stern warning condemning recent U.S. military actions, describing them as provocative escalations that risk igniting a nuclear conflict on the Korean Peninsula.

In a statement released Saturday, North Korean authorities criticized a recent U.S. military simulation held at Fort Greely, Alaska. The drill, reportedly overseen by the U.S. Secretary of the Army, simulated the interception of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launched from a so-called “enemy state.” The DPRK denounced the exercise as a hostile maneuver, arguing that framing the scenario around a North Korean ICBM signals U.S. intentions to prepare for a preemptive nuclear strike and to neutralize any retaliatory response.

“The United States is clearly assuming a nuclear war scenario with the DPRK in mind,” a North Korean military commentator said, accusing Washington of heightening regional instability through calculated military pressure.

The statement also criticized the U.S. for its growing military footprint in Northeast Asia. According to the DPRK, the U.S. 7th Air Force is preparing to shift 31 F-16 fighter jets from Kunsan Air Base to Osan Air Base in South Korea to form what was described as a “super-powerful wing.” Furthermore, plans to permanently deploy 20 F-35A stealth fighters at Kunsan were cited as part of a broader military escalation.

The DPRK pointed to the recent deployment of U.S. F-35A and F-35B stealth fighters to bases in Japan — Kadena and Iwakuni, respectively — along with the positioning of two B-1B strategic bombers at Misawa Air Base, as additional examples of what it called a "massive sortie base" strategy. These advanced aircraft, capable of executing coordinated operations, are viewed by Pyongyang as tools to secure U.S. air dominance and to facilitate preemptive nuclear strike capabilities.

The North Korean statement warned that the U.S. has moved beyond symbolic shows of force and is now pursuing "practical military preparations," which include rehearsals for real-world operations aimed at the DPRK.

In response, the DPRK emphasized that its strategic doctrine would continue to focus on strengthening both offensive and defensive capabilities to deter aggression and preserve regional balance. “The best deterrent against nuclear war is to build the strongest power that can counter and overwhelm U.S. threats,” the statement read.

The statement concluded with a direct warning to Washington, calling the ongoing military buildup in the region an “unwise option” that could ultimately endanger the security of the U.S. mainland. Pyongyang urged the United States to reverse course and de-escalate its military posture to avoid further deterioration of regional and global security. (ILKHA)