North Korea has fiercely criticized the United States for imposing new sanctions, calling Washington’s actions “antagonistic” and promising to respond in kind. According to state-run media KCNA, the condemnation came after the U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions targeting eight individuals and two entities allegedly involved in North Korean cyber-related money-laundering operations designed to fund Pyongyang’s weapons programs.
In a statement quoting the country’s vice foreign minister overseeing U.S. affairs, KCNA said, “There is nothing so silly as to expect a new result while following the old screenplay of the failed past.” The official stressed that the U.S. should “realize that no matter how many sanctions it mobilizes, the possibility of changing the current strategic situation between the U.S. and North Korea to its advantage is less than zero.”
The North Korean government reiterated that as long as Washington maintains its hostile stance, Pyongyang will remain “patient and respond correspondingly.” This declaration reflects the regime’s continued defiance amid ongoing pressure from the international community over its nuclear and missile programs.
The sanctions, announced earlier this week, are part of Washington’s broader effort to block funding streams supporting North Korea’s weapons development and cyber operations. The move comes amid renewed diplomatic speculation, as South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) recently suggested that a summit between North Korea and the United States could take place early next year.
U.S. President Donald Trump had previously expressed openness to meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his trip to Asia last month, signaling potential for future dialogue despite rising tensions. However, Pyongyang’s latest remarks underscore the deep mistrust and ongoing standoff that continue to define U.S.–North Korea relations.