North Korean leader Kim Jong Un concluded the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party today with a massive military parade in Pyongyang, promising a significant expansion of the nation's nuclear arsenal. During his closing speech, Kim emphasized the need to increase the number of nuclear warheads and develop advanced underwater-launched ballistic missiles. The parade featured thousands of specialized troops and a display of the North's latest strategic weaponry, signaling a firm stance against perceived external threats.

Despite the aggressive military display, Kim notably left the door open for diplomatic discussions with the United States. He stated that dialogue remains a possibility only if Washington "withdraws its policy of confrontation" and ceases its "hostile" actions toward the North. This tactical shift suggests that while Pyongyang is committed to its nuclear program, it is still seeking leverage for future negotiations with the Trump administration to secure sanctions relief.

In a stark contrast to his message for the U.S., Kim took an uncompromising tone toward South Korea, ruling out any possibility of inter-Korean dialogue. He characterized Seoul as a "permanent enemy" and warned of "total destruction" if North Korean sovereignty is violated. International observers are closely monitoring the heightened tensions on the peninsula, especially with the prominent appearance of Kim’s daughter, Ju Ae, at the event, further cementing her status within the leadership hierarchy.