N. Korea denounces S Korea-U.S. joint military drills, vows to bolster nuclear deterrent

North Korea condemned the recent South Korea-U.S. joint military exercise Iron Mace, describing it as a nuclear war rehearsal and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen its nuclear deterrent as a national defense policy. The drills, including Hoguk, Freedom Flag, and Keen Sword, are seen by Pyongyang as threats requiring enhanced nuclear capabilities to ensure sovereignty and regional peace.