North Korea says nuclear status will not change despite external pressure

North Korea has said its status as a nuclear-armed state will not change, rejecting what it described as external pressure and rhetorical claims.

In a statement reported on Thursday, Pyongyang said it would not be bound by the non-proliferation treaty under any circumstances whatsoever.

It used the country's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, in making the remarks.

The comments come against the backdrop of long-running sanctions and nuclear tensions.

North Korea withdrew from the treaty in 2003, after threatening to leave it in 1993.

Since then, it has carried out six nuclear tests and is believed to possess dozens of nuclear warheads.

The latest statement reinforces its refusal to accept outside demands over its nuclear programme.

The issue remains significant because North Korea's nuclear status is central to regional security and to international efforts aimed at limiting proliferation.

Any renewed rejection of treaty obligations is likely to keep diplomatic pressure high.

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