North Korea's foreign ministry has denounced Israeli attacks and U.S. military operations against Iran as "illegal aggression" that violates national sovereignty. The statement, reported by state media Korean Central News Agency, came after Israel launched broad strikes in Tehran following a large-scale operation that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

A ministry spokesperson called the U.S. action "within the range of expectations" and an "inevitable outcome" of American "hegemonic and gangster-like" behavior. The North Korean government characterized the conflict as a "war of aggression" by the United States and Israel that is unacceptable under any circumstances.

The statement urged regional countries and others with shared interests to take responsibility for restoring peace and stability in the Middle East. The condemnation follows reports that Israel's military carried out extensive strikes in Tehran, raising fears of widespread instability in the region.