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North Korea: Successfully Tested Two Long-Range Missiles

Jan 30, 2026 January 30, 2026 2 min read 📰 Radio Farda
📋 Key Takeaway

North Korea successfully tested two long-range Hwasong missiles, claiming to enhance its capability to attack the U.S. Kim Jong-un oversaw the tests, which were conducted shortly after reports of medium-range missile tests. This escalation raises tensions in the region and draws condemnation from the U.S.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: North Korea's missile tests heighten global security concerns and strain international relations.

👥 Key Players

Kim Jong-un MENTIONED
Leader of North Korea
"As the supreme leader, Kim Jong-un's decisions and actions directly impact North Korea's military strategy and international relations."
Josh Earnest MENTIONED
White House Spokesman
"Represents the U.S. government's official stance and response to North Korea's actions."
Ashton Carter MENTIONED
U.S. Secretary of Defense
"Responsible for U.S. defense policy, particularly in response to threats from North Korea."

📰 What Happened

North Korea announced the successful test of two long-range Hwasong missiles, claiming enhanced capability to strike the U.S. Kim Jong-un personally oversaw the tests, which followed recent medium-range missile tests.

  • North Korea tested long-range Hwasong missiles.
  • The tests are claimed to enhance North Korea's nuclear strike capability.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Iran may view North Korea's advancements as a model for its own missile development and nuclear strategy.
🌍 Regional: Increases tensions on the Korean Peninsula and prompts regional defense responses.
🌐 International: Challenges international non-proliferation efforts and provokes responses from the U.S. and its allies.

📚 Background

North Korea has a history of defying international sanctions with missile tests, aiming to develop a credible nuclear deterrent.

North Korea's nuclear program U.S.-North Korea relations
📡 Source: INTERNATIONAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
The report is based on statements from North Korean and U.S. officials, reflecting both perspectives on the event.

North Korea announced on Thursday, a day after reports of testing two medium-range ballistic missiles, that it successfully tested two long-range "Hwasong" missiles and has "increased its capability to attack the United States." The official North Korean news agency reported that Kim Jong-un, the country's leader, personally witnessed the tests on July 3. The "Hwasong-10" missile, which is said to have been successfully tested, is classified as a long-range missile. Long-range missiles have a range of 3,500 to 5,500 kilometers and are categorized between medium-range ballistic missiles and intercontinental ballistic missiles. The North Korean news agency stated: "The test was successful, without the slightest consequence for neighboring countries." The agency quoted the North Korean leader as saying: "It is necessary to enhance our capacity for carrying out nuclear preemptive strikes and to increase studies and development of offensive strategic weapons." He added that the recent test is "an appropriate opportunity to strengthen our country's nuclear attack capabilities." The launch of the Hwasong ballistic missiles occurred a day after reports of tests of Musudan medium-range missiles. South Korea reported that of the two Musudan missiles tested on Wednesday, the first was unsuccessful, but the second reached an altitude of 1,000 kilometers. According to the official South Korean news agency, this likely indicates that the main issue that had grounded these missiles is being resolved. Josh Earnest, the White House spokesman, stated on July 2 during a press conference that the U.S. government strongly "condemns North Korea's provocative actions." Mr. Earnest described these tests as a "brazen" violation of international commitments by Pyongyang. Ashton Carter, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, also stated that the United States is reinforcing the defensive mechanisms of its allies in the region to protect them against North Korean missiles. Seoul and Washington plan to develop and deploy the THAAD missile defense system on the Korean Peninsula. This has led to concerns and criticisms from Beijing, which is wary of the system's presence near its territory.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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