Following US strikes on Iran, North Korea has intensified its deterrence measures, including increased security and missile launches. Pyongyang views these actions as a response to US military posture and a signal of its own capabilities.

The US strikes on Iran sent a clear signal to Pyongyang. But rather than retreat or show renewed interest in denuclearisation, North Korea has doubled down on deterrence. In recent weeks, Pyongyang has tightened security around its leadership and continued its missile launches, underscoring its sensitivity to Washington’s military posture. From Pyongyang’s perspective, these moves are meant not only to gauge how far US military pressure could one day extend, but also to signal that North Korea’s...