Pro–North Korea newspaper urges countries to distance themselves from US

A Japanese newspaper with close ties to North Korea has urged countries to reduce dependence on the United States, arguing that recent instability linked to the US-Iran confrontation underscores the risks of relying on a US-led international order.

In an editorial published on April 13, Choson Sinbo said fluctuations in oil prices and disruptions to shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz demonstrate that economic and security risks increase when states are heavily dependent on Washington.

The newspaper called on countries to avoid relying on what it described as a “warlike state” and instead pursue policies focused on national interests, while supporting a more multipolar global order — a concept long promoted by Pyongyang.

The editorial framed the current geopolitical tensions, including the Iran crisis, as evidence that alignment with US-led structures carries growing risks for global economies and security.

However, official North Korean state media, including Rodong Sinmun, have not directly commented on the US-Iran situation so far.

According to South Korean intelligence assessments, Pyongyang is likely exercising caution to avoid escalating tensions and to preserve diplomatic flexibility for possible future engagement with Washington.

By Sabina Mammadli