Could North Koreans in Iran Be Casualties of Recent U.S. Attacks?
North Korean personnel could have been harmed in U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, sparking concerns about retaliation from Kim Jong-un. Experts note that North Korea’s ongoing support for Iran complicates the situation amid rising tensions in the region, with South Korea already putting emergency measures in place.
Could North Koreans in Iran have been caught in the crossfire of recent U.S. attacks? The question arises following airstrikes aimed at Iran’s nuclear sites, particularly with B-2 bombers and Tomahawk missiles utilized during the operation. A Korea expert, Bruce Bennett from RAND Corporation, hinted to the Sun that it’s quite plausible that North Korean personnel could have been casualties in those strikes.
Bennett emphasized that North Korean officials continue to support Iran’s nuclear ambitions. If any North Korean operatives were indeed harmed, it might provoke an angry reaction from Kim Jong-un towards the United States. Despite North Korea’s formal condemnation of the bombing, the regime hasn’t exactly been forthcoming about its involvement in Iran’s missile and nuclear operations. Bennett points out, “Kim may be very reluctant to admit that his experts are helping Iran,” fearing backlash against his own regime.
The analyst also noted Kim’s ongoing drive to boost North Korea’s nuclear production. He’s likely anxious that the U.S. could target his own facilities next. An extreme scenario could involve North Korea selling nuclear weapons to Iran, potentially enabling the latter to perform an atmospheric test, further escalating tensions with the U.S.
Fears sparked by these developments have led South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to cancel his NATO meeting plans. Instead, he’s ramping up an emergency response system to deal with increased tensions in the Middle East, as reported by Seoul’s Yonhap News.
With decades of history underscoring the Korean conflict, Kim is now waiting to hear assessment reports on the damage inflicted by the U.S. strikes, particularly focusing on Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow site. The real concern for him lies in whether these attacks might weaken his own nuclear capabilities.
Former U.S. diplomat in Seoul, Evans Revere, remarked that North Korea possesses numerous nuclear warheads spread throughout the country. A U.S. strike would likely not eliminate all of them, allowing some to be launched in retaliation. Revere stated, “North Korea is not a potential nuclear threat but an actual nuclear power.”
He asserted that North Korea has been consistently ramping up its nuclear arsenal, reinforcing facilities, and preparing for potential combat use of these weapons. This has been a long-term strategy, as Pyongyang has concluded that nuclear deterrence is central to its survival.
In summary, the potential for North Korean casualties in U.S. strikes on Iran raises questions about Kim Jong-un’s next moves. North Korea’s ongoing support for Iran’s nuclear endeavors could provoke a stern response from Kim, especially if his experts played roles in these events. South Korea’s preemptive measures reflect real fears of wider conflict, further complicated by North Korea’s established nuclear capabilities and ambitions for escalation. It’s a volatile situation that could have severe implications for regional and global stability.
Original Source: www.nysun.com
