Why it matters:
The timing of the launch highlights Pyongyang’s calculated approach to diplomacy. The missile was tested shortly after Trump’s remarks, North Korea appears to be signaling that it will not enter any future dialogue from a position of weakness.
The big picture:
This marks North Korea’s second missile test in two weeks, following a similar pattern observed before Trump’s last visit to the Indo-Pacific region, which included stops in Japan and South Korea. Despite international criticism, Pyongyang says its missile activities are defensive and necessary to counter U.S. hostile policies. Reports indicate that a possible Trump–Kim meeting could take place before March 2026, fueling speculation about a new round of negotiations — likely on terms more favorable to North Korea.
Details:
Date: November 7, 2025
Action: Launch of a short-range ballistic missile toward the East Sea (Sea of Japan)
Flight distance: Approximately 700 km
Landing zone: Outside Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone; no damage reported
Context: Follows Trump’s expression of interest in meeting Kim Jong Un
Significance: Seen as a show of strength and leverage ahead of potential diplomatic talks
Go deeper:
North Korea Test-fires Latest ICBM Hwasongpho-19
North Korea Test Fires Short-range Ballistic Missiles
North Korea Launches Suspected Ballistic Missile, South Korea Says
F.abedi - seyed mohammad kazemi
