North Korea’s Take on the Iran-Israel Conflict: Why Pyongyang Blames Israel and Ignores U.S. Airstrikes

North Korea’s Selective Reporting: What Did Pyongyang Say?

Did you know that North Korea’s state-run media has been actively covering the recent Iran-Israel conflict, but with a twist? While North Korean outlets like Rodong Sinmun have cited Russian and Iranian sources to highlight Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, they’ve conspicuously ignored the major news of U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Instead, Pyongyang’s coverage focuses on condemning Israel’s actions as violations of international law and as a threat to global peace, echoing statements from Russian officials and Iran’s foreign minister. This selective reporting fits North Korea’s long-standing pattern of aligning with anti-Western narratives and supporting its traditional allies in times of crisis.

The U.S. Strikes That North Korea Didn’t Mention

On June 21 and 22, 2025, the United States launched a dramatic air campaign, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, targeting three key Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. President Donald Trump claimed the strikes were 'extraordinarily successful,' with B-2 bombers and Tomahawk missiles used to penetrate Iran’s most fortified sites. The U.S. justified the attacks as a necessary step to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions, while Iran and its allies decried the move as an act of aggression and a breach of international law. Despite the global shockwaves, North Korean media did not report on these U.S. actions, instead keeping the focus on Israeli strikes and Iranian counterattacks.

How the Korean Community Reacted: Online Buzz and Heated Debates

Korean online communities like DC Inside, Theqoo, and Naver forums have been abuzz with discussions about North Korea’s coverage of the conflict. Some users criticized Pyongyang for its one-sided reporting, arguing that ignoring the U.S. strikes distorts the reality of the conflict. Others pointed out that North Korea’s position is hardly surprising, given its history of supporting Iran and Russia against Western powers. On Nate Pann, a popular comment read: 'It’s always the same playbook—support the anti-U.S. side and never mention anything that could make their own regime look weak.' Meanwhile, a minority of users expressed concern that the escalating conflict could serve as a dangerous precedent for Northeast Asia, especially if North Korea draws lessons from Iran’s experience.

Why Does North Korea Side with Iran? The Cultural and Strategic Context

To understand North Korea’s stance, you need to look at decades of shared history and mutual interests. Since the 1970s, Pyongyang and Tehran have maintained close ties, particularly in the fields of missile technology and military cooperation. Both countries have faced heavy sanctions from the U.S. and the West, fueling a sense of solidarity against common adversaries. North Korea’s condemnation of Israel as a 'cancer-like entity' threatening Middle East peace is not just rhetoric—it reflects a broader worldview that sees the U.S. and its allies as perpetual aggressors. This narrative resonates with North Korea’s domestic audience and helps justify its own military-first policies.

The Global Fallout: How the Iran-Israel War Is Shaking the World

The latest escalation between Iran and Israel has sent shockwaves through the Middle East and beyond. After Israel’s surprise strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites in mid-June, Iran responded with a barrage of missiles and drones, some of which penetrated Israel’s famed Iron Dome defense system. Civilian casualties have mounted on both sides, with hundreds killed and thousands injured. The U.S. intervention has only heightened fears of a wider regional war, with neighboring countries bracing for potential spillover. International media, including CNN and The New York Times, have reported on the psychological toll of the conflict, as families across the region live in constant fear of the next attack.

What This Means for North Korea’s Own Strategy

North Korea is watching the Iran-Israel conflict—and the U.S. response—very closely. Analysts in Seoul and abroad believe Pyongyang may see valuable lessons in how Iran has used missile and drone attacks to challenge a militarily superior adversary. The fact that the U.S. was willing to directly strike Iranian territory without a full-scale invasion could also influence North Korea’s calculations about its own nuclear deterrent. Some South Korean experts warn that the conflict could embolden North Korea to further develop its missile and nuclear capabilities, while others argue that Pyongyang will tread carefully to avoid provoking a similar response from the U.S.

International Reactions and the Role of Russia

Russia has played a prominent role in shaping the narrative around the Iran-Israel conflict, both in its own media and through allies like North Korea. Russian officials have condemned Israeli and U.S. actions as reckless and destabilizing, warning of the risk of a nuclear catastrophe. North Korean media has amplified these messages, presenting Russia as a voice of reason in an increasingly chaotic world. This alignment highlights the growing strategic partnership between North Korea, Iran, and Russia—a 'triangle of resistance' against Western influence in global affairs.

Fandom and Cultural Insight: Why International Fans Should Care

For international readers, especially K-culture fans, the North Korean perspective on the Iran-Israel conflict offers a window into how authoritarian regimes use media to shape public opinion and legitimize their policies. It’s also a reminder that global conflicts are rarely viewed the same way everywhere. In South Korea, the war is seen not just as a distant Middle Eastern crisis but as a potential blueprint for future conflicts in Northeast Asia. Understanding these dynamics can help fans and observers better appreciate the complex interplay of culture, politics, and media in shaping world events.

Summary: What to Watch Next

As the Iran-Israel conflict continues to evolve, keep an eye on how North Korea and its allies respond to further U.S. and Israeli actions. Will Pyongyang continue to ignore American involvement, or will it eventually be forced to acknowledge the shifting balance of power in the region? One thing is certain: the echoes of this war will be felt far beyond the Middle East, influencing global security, diplomacy, and even pop culture conversations for years to come.