North Korea Rejects South Korea-U.S. Nuclear Talks as ‘Empty Fantasy’

North Korea has strongly condemned the recent South Korea-U.S. Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) meeting, denouncing any discussion of denuclearization as an "empty fantasy." Pyongyang’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement asserting that the U.S. is escalating tensions by deploying strategic assets to the vicinity of the Korean Peninsula.

The ministry further warned that any attempt by the United States to utilize nuclear weapons against North Korea would be met with an immediate and decisive response. This response would involve the immediate use of North Korea's own nuclear forces, highlighting the regime's readiness to escalate conflict.

North Korea views the NCG meeting and the U.S. commitment to providing extended deterrence to South Korea as direct threats. The regime has consistently argued that its nuclear program is a necessary deterrent against perceived U.S. hostility and aggression. The statement underscores North Korea's unwavering stance on its nuclear capabilities and its willingness to employ them if it perceives an existential threat.