North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hailed his nuclear program in a speech on Monday and warned Pyongyang's foes that they would “pay dearly” if they challenge the country's right to a nuclear deterrent, state media reported.

In a lengthy speech at the Sixth National Conference of War Veterans marking the 67th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement, Kim said nuclear arms provided the DPRK with a permanent security guarantee, echoing remarks at the start of the new year on the country’s intentions to maintain the program in the face of perceived U.S. threats.