North Korea accuses US of pushing world toward worst nuclear crisis

North Korea has accused the US administration of pushing the world toward the worst nuclear crisis in history, insisting that Washington's policies have left it no choice but to bolster its nuclear program.

In a statement carried by Yonhap news agency, North Korea's foreign ministry said Pyongyang's nuclear program is essential to protect national sovereignty, adding that the United States has abandoned its international commitments.

Pyongyang also criticized the US for building nuclear alliances in Asia, arguing that such policies are fueling regional and global tensions.