North Korea conducted a test of a strategic cruise missile, state media KCNA reported Sunday, marking the country's first missile test since the return of Donald Trump to the White House earlier this week. According to the report, the test was overseen by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and aimed to enhance the nation's defense capabilities. However, details regarding the missile's specifications or the exact location of the test were not disclosed. This marks North Korea's third missile test in 2025. Earlier in January, the country launched several short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea on Jan. 14, following the test of an intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile on Jan. 6. The timing of the latest missile test comes as President Trump began his second, non-consecutive term in office. Trump has indicated his willingness to reopen dialogue with Pyongyang, reigniting discussions that were a hallmark of his first presidency. During Trump's first term, he and Kim held three high-profile meetings, including two summits, to address North Korea's nuclear ambitions and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. However, negotiations ultimately stalled without any binding agreements. — Agencies
