If nukes are used to provoke North Korea, Kim threatens a "nuclear attack."

Kim Jong-un delivered the statement during a meeting with soldiers from the military's missile bureau, commending them for the recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launching drill in Pyongyang, according to KCNA news agency.

He lauded the test as a demonstration of the armed forces' loyalty and steadfastness, describing it as "a clear explanation of the offensive counteraction mode and the evolution of the nuclear strategy and doctrine of the DPRK not to hesitate even a nuclear attack when the enemy provoke it with nukes," as per the KCNA report. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is the official name of North Korea. Earlier this week, North Korea announced the testing of its latest ICBM as part of assessing the war readiness of its nuclear forces amid increasing hostility from the United States.

In response, the top diplomats of the United States, South Korea, and Japan issued a joint statement on Wednesday condemning North Korea's ballistic missile launches and calling for "substantive dialogue without preconditions."

Kim emphasized that Monday's launch showcased the military's high mobility and rapid attack capability, urging efforts to enhance its combat efficiency further, according to KCNA.In a separate statement, Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, criticized the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for convening a meeting on the ICBM launch, asserting it was an exercise of the country's right to self-defense She placed heavy responsibility on the United States and South Korea for escalating tension on the Korean peninsula through various military provocations throughout the year.

On Wednesday, the United States, South Korea, and Japan conducted a joint air drill involving a US strategic bomber near the Korean peninsula, marking the latest deployment of US strategic assets as part of the commitment to enhance defense readiness with Seoul.