United News of Bangladesh

The United States will make permanent a visa bond programme requiring applicants from 50 countries, most of them in Africa, to pay a refundable bond before applying for certain US visas. According to a draft notice published Friday in the Federal Register, the US State Department said a year-long review found the programme helped reduce visa overstays, prompting the decision to make it permanent from Monday. The revised rules also raise the maximum bond amount from $15,000 to $20,000. The previous minimum bond of $5,000 has been removed, leaving bond amounts of $10,000 or $20,000, depending on the decision of a consular officer. The programme applies to applicants seeking B1 business visas and B2 tourist visas. The bond is refunded if the visa application is rejected or, if approved, once the traveller complies with all visa conditions and leaves the United States as required. The Trump administration introduced the programme in August last year as part of broader efforts to reduce illegal immigration and prevent visitors from overstaying their visas. The State Department said it costs the US government about $18,000 to locate, arrest and deport each person who remains in the country after their visa expires. According to the department, nearly 45,500 visitors from the 50 affected countries overstayed their visas in 2024. During the first 10 months of the bond programme, fewer than 50 overstays were recorded from those countries. US officials described the programme as successful in reducing visa violations. However, critics argue that the policy places a heavy financial burden on people from low-income countries who want to travel to the United States for tourism, business, education or to visit family members. The State Department had originally expected around 2,000 applicants to be affected by the programme. Instead, about 20,000 applicants were required to pay the bond. Nearly half of those applicants decided not to proceed with their visa applications, contributing to an 83 percent drop in business and tourist visas issued to citizens of the affected countries. The department said it expects the permanent programme to further reduce demand for B1 and B2 visas from countries covered by the policy.

The United States and Iran stepped up their military campaign across the Middle East on Friday, exchanging attacks on key infrastructure and military sites as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz continued to escalate. The United States broadened its offensive by striking additional bridges, energy facilities, and a surveillance tower at Iran’s strategic Chabahar port. The attacks align with President Donald Trump’s pledge to increase pressure on Tehran over its control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route for oil and gas. Iran responded by launching missile attacks against U.S.-aligned countries, including Qatar and Kuwait. In Kuwait, a missile strike damaged a desalination plant, a critical source of the country’s drinking water, while Qatar reported injuries from falling debris after its air defenses intercepted incoming missiles. After days of escalating exchanges, the conflict remains centered on control of the Strait of Hormuz. An earlier ceasefire has collapsed, leaving little indication that the war—now more than four months old—will end soon. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said Friday’s operation marked the seventh consecutive night of strikes targeting Iran’s military infrastructure. According to the military, the attacks struck surveillance facilities, logistics hubs, underground weapons depots, and maritime assets. Iranian officials said recent U.S. airstrikes have killed dozens of civilians and injured hundreds, while the U.S. military acknowledged additional injuries among American service members. Early Saturday, Iran claimed two oil tankers exploded after entering a mined section of the Strait of Hormuz. The country offered no evidence, and CENTCOM rejected the allegation, calling it false. Since the conflict began in late February, Iran has effectively restricted shipping through the strait, pushing global oil prices above $86 a barrel and significantly reducing maritime traffic. Shipping activity has fallen to its lowest level in three weeks, according to international tracking data. In a televised address Thursday, President Trump said U.S. operations were succeeding and predicted the results would soon become evident. Before the war, Washington and Tehran had been negotiating over Iran’s nuclear program, but Trump now faces growing political pressure to end the conflict and avoid a prolonged military engagement. Bridges and Power Infrastructure TargetedIranian state media reported that overnight U.S. airstrikes struck bridges in Hormozgan province, including routes connecting Bandar Abbas—Iran’s largest port—to the country’s interior. The attacks also affected Bandar Khamir along the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Energy Ministry acknowledged attacks on electrical infrastructure for the first time, urging residents in southern provinces to conserve electricity during extreme summer temperatures, although officials did not specify the damaged facilities. Authorities said at least 46 people have died and more than 400 have been injured in recent U.S. strikes, including eight fatalities in Friday’s bridge attack. Meanwhile, the Pentagon confirmed 13 additional U.S. service members were wounded this week, bringing total American casualties since the war began to 14 killed and 427 injured. Strategic Port Tower DestroyedFriday’s strikes also brought down a surveillance tower at Iran’s Chabahar port on the Gulf of Oman, an important commercial gateway serving Afghanistan and regional trade. Iranian officials described the structure as part of the port’s commercial operations, while CENTCOM said it supported Iran’s Revolutionary Guard by monitoring commercial shipping and identifying potential maritime targets. Iranian media later reported explosions in several provinces, including Khuzestan, Fars, Yazd, and Hormozgan, though authorities provided few details. Iran Expands Retaliatory AttacksIran broadened its retaliation by firing missiles toward Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Qatar activated air defenses twice, with one child reportedly injured by falling debris. Kuwait said a missile strike damaged a power and desalination facility, temporarily disrupting a key source of drinking water. Kuwaiti officials also reported Iranian drone attacks on military installations that wounded several personnel. Jordan’s military intercepted three incoming Iranian missiles, while explosions were reported in northern Iraq’s Kurdish region. Local officials said an attack targeting the Iranian Kurdish opposition group Komala killed at least nine people. Separately, British maritime authorities reported that a commercial tanker sustained minor damage while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz near Oman. No injuries were reported, and Iran did not comment on the incident. Strait of Hormuz Remains the Conflict’s FocusIran continues to insist that the Strait of Hormuz falls under its exclusive authority and has argued that ships passing through should pay transit fees, despite the waterway being internationally recognized as open to global navigation. President Trump has repeatedly threatened further attacks on Iranian infrastructure—including bridges and power facilities—to pressure Tehran into loosening its grip on the strait. The United States has also reinstated a naval blockade on Iranian ports in an effort to restrict the country’s oil exports. Although some regional energy exports have shifted to pipelines, analysts say alternative routes cannot fully replace the shipping capacity of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas trade normally passes. Recent data show vessel traffic through the waterway has dropped to its lowest level in weeks, underscoring the conflict’s growing impact on global energy markets.   

The United States is urging Iran to publicly declare that the Strait of Hormuz is open to international shipping and that it will no longer target vessels passing through the strategic waterway. According to senior U.S. officials, internal political divisions within Iran have complicated efforts to maintain a ceasefire and advance negotiations. U.S. officials said recent attacks on ships were allegedly carried out by a hard-line faction within Iran seeking to undermine the truce. Although President Donald Trump described the interim ceasefire as effectively over, he stated that diplomatic efforts toward a long-term agreement would continue. The administration has reportedly given negotiators only a limited period to reach an agreement while keeping other options available if diplomacy fails. Washington is also seeking assurances that Iran will respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil and gas shipments. U.S. officials claimed Iranian representatives privately acknowledged the recent maritime attacks were a mistake and expressed interest in continuing negotiations. However, Iran's ambassador to the United Nations insisted that all activities in the strait, including navigation and security operations, fall solely under Iran's authority and warned against outside involvement. Iran has argued that it should have exclusive control over the waterway and has suggested that commercial vessels pay transit fees. The conflict previously disrupted energy markets, although oil prices have eased from wartime highs. The United States also maintains that any future nuclear agreement must require Iran to surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Officials warned that if negotiations fail, the U.S. has military options to ensure Iran cannot use its nuclear material. They emphasized that progress on nuclear talks depends on Iran fully honoring the ceasefire and ending attacks on shipping. The conflict has created political and economic challenges for the Trump administration, which faces pressure to avoid a prolonged war while pursuing its security objectives. Meanwhile, unexplained airstrikes continued inside Iran after Washington announced it had ended its military campaign. No group claimed responsibility. Iranian officials accused the United Arab Emirates of secretly assisting the United States, while Gulf nations and Israel declined to comment on the latest strikes. Iran responded by launching missiles toward several Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Qatar, with reports indicating limited casualties. Regional leaders and diplomats have intensified efforts to prevent further escalation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to meet his Omani counterpart to discuss the Strait of Hormuz, while Pakistan, Qatar, Oman, and other regional partners continue diplomatic outreach. Israel has also reaffirmed that it is prepared to respond forcefully if tensions with Iran increase again.

Americans are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the country's independence on Saturday with fireworks, concerts and public events, as political tensions and a severe heat wave shape this year's historic celebrations. The anniversary marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence, one of the world's most influential documents on democracy. President Donald Trump is expected to play a central role in the celebrations, delivering a speech on the National Mall in Washington before a major fireworks display over the U.S. capital. On Friday, Trump spoke at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, where he warned about what he described as the growing threat of communism in the United States. Across the country, cities are hosting a wide range of events to mark the milestone. Fireworks displays are planned over Navy Pier in Chicago and New York City's skyline. New York also welcomed the anniversary with a midnight ball drop similar to its New Year's Eve celebration. Bristol, Rhode Island, which says it has hosted the nation's oldest Independence Day celebration since 1785, is also holding special events. In Los Angeles, a concert hosted by Queen Latifah will feature performances by The Smashing Pumpkins and Chris Stapleton, with Chaka Khan appearing as a special guest. Many celebrations, however, have been disrupted by extreme heat affecting large parts of the eastern United States. In Washington, the Great American State Fair was temporarily closed on Friday during the hottest part of the day, while the city's Independence Day parade scheduled for Saturday was canceled because of the weather. Conditions were much cooler in the Pacific Northwest, where temperatures stayed in the 60s Fahrenheit with occasional light rain. In Issaquah, near Seattle, resident Megan Kurowski said people in her community were excited to celebrate the country's 250th anniversary and that she planned to watch the fireworks from a paddleboard. The holiday weekend also features several major sporting and entertainment events. More than a dozen Major League Baseball games are scheduled, while the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues with Round of 16 matches in Houston and Philadelphia. The celebrations come at a time of deep political polarization in the United States, with debates over politics, race, immigration and social issues continuing to divide the country. Speaking at Mount Rushmore, Trump described communism as the greatest threat to American freedom. Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, without mentioning Trump by name, urged Americans to uphold the country's democratic values and resist authoritarianism. In Topeka, Kansas, auto technician Joe Fuqua-Bejarano said the country's greatest strength was its resilience rather than its politics. While selling fireworks, he expressed hope that Americans could find greater unity despite their differences. Jerry Chin of Newcastle, Washington, said he planned to spend the holiday quietly at home with his wife and dogs instead of watching fireworks. While calling America "a great place," he acknowledged that the country still faces significant challenges.

As the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, the legacy of Thomas Jefferson continues to spark debate, with historians saying no other American founder reflects the country's ideals and contradictions more than the author of the Declaration of Independence. Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jon Meacham says defining what it means to be "Jeffersonian" is far from simple because Jefferson's ideas have been interpreted differently across generations. Meacham notes that before the civil rights movement, Jefferson was often associated with states' rights and limited government. He also points out that President Franklin D. Roosevelt once described Jefferson as an "apostle of liberty" whose principles supported America's fight against Nazi Germany during World War II. According to Meacham, Jefferson represented both "the very best and the very worst" of the United States. His greatest contradiction remains central to American history. Jefferson famously wrote that "all men are created equal" while owning enslaved people throughout his life. At the same time, he promoted ideas that continue to shape debates over government, individual freedom, agriculture, innovation and national expansion. Historian Andrew Burstein says Jefferson is perhaps the most adaptable figure from early American history, with politicians across the political spectrum claiming his legacy. In his book Democracy's Muse, Burstein argues that Jefferson has been portrayed over time as everything from a Roosevelt-style liberal to a Reagan conservative and even a favorite of the Tea Party movement. Historian Peter S. Onuf says there were periods when almost every American considered themselves Jeffersonian, yet Jefferson remained a deeply controversial figure. That debate is especially visible at University of Virginia, the university Jefferson founded, where a memorial now honors thousands of enslaved people who lived and worked there. At Monticello, Jefferson's historic estate, visitors are reminded not only of his role in writing the Declaration of Independence but also of the hundreds of enslaved people who lived there. The site includes a burial ground for enslaved people and an exhibit about Sally Hemings, with whom historians widely believe Jefferson had six children. Brandon Dillard, Monticello's director of historic interpretation and audience engagement, says the site's mission is to present an honest account of America's complex origins and its ongoing struggle to live up to the ideals expressed in the Declaration. Monticello also reflects modern challenges. Climate change has altered the estate's landscape, while the site has adopted environmentally friendly technologies, including geothermal heating systems and green-energy standards. The estate has also faced questions about diversity among its staff. Dillard acknowledged that the lack of racial diversity among museum guides reflects a broader issue across museums and historical institutions in the United States. Jefferson's influence has stretched across nearly every major political era in US history. Supporters of the Confederacy and later segregationists cited his support for states' rights, while Abraham Lincoln and civil rights leaders embraced his declaration that all people are created equal. In 1963, Jefferson's words were used by both segregationist George Wallace and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. during one of the most pivotal years of the American civil rights movement. Roosevelt relied on Jefferson's ideas to support the New Deal, while President Ronald Reagan later portrayed him as an advocate of limited government and lower public spending. More recently, President Donald Trump has quoted Jefferson's criticism of newspapers to support his attacks on what he calls "fake news." Meanwhile, scholars such as Ibram X. Kendi have argued that Jefferson's views on colonisation and race continue to influence debates over immigration and discrimination. Despite current political divisions over immigration, Monticello continues its long-standing tradition of hosting Independence Day citizenship ceremonies. This year's keynote speaker is scheduled to be Abigail Spanberger. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people visit Monticello for different reasons. Some come to learn about Jefferson's achievements, while others seek a deeper understanding of America's history, including its legacy of slavery. Among them is Duane Cromwell, who said she grew up in South Carolina learning a version of history that downplayed slavery. Visiting Monticello, she hoped to better understand the realities of America's past. Reflecting on her experience, Cromwell compared racism to kudzu, an invasive plant common across the US South that becomes so widespread people often stop noticing it. She believes society has made progress through greater interaction among people from different backgrounds but says learning the full history remains essential. For Cromwell, visiting Monticello was not just about understanding Jefferson. It was about understanding America itself.

NATO's deputy supreme allied commander in Europe has expressed hope that next month's summit in Turkey will encourage member states to increase defense spending, reaffirm support for Ukraine and demonstrate the alliance's unity despite growing challenges. Air Chief Marshal John Stringer shared his expectations in an interview with The Associated Press in London, less than two weeks before the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8. The meeting is expected to test the unity of the 77-year-old military alliance at a time of increasing political uncertainty. The alliance has faced fresh questions after US President Donald Trump sent mixed messages about America's military presence in Europe and repeatedly threatened to withdraw from NATO. His calls to annex Greenland and his friendly remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin have also unsettled many European leaders. Adding to the uncertainty, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last week criticized NATO allies for not allowing their military bases to be used in strikes against Iran. He also announced a six-month review of US troop deployments across Europe. In the United Kingdom, which traditionally provides NATO's deputy supreme allied commander, recent resignations of government ministers highlighted concerns over defense spending plans that critics say are not enough to ensure the country's security. Stringer said NATO summits are important political events that showcase the alliance's solidarity. While acknowledging that disagreements are inevitable in an organization that has expanded over several decades, he stressed the importance of maintaining unity. "Are we in one of those moments at the moment? Yes, we are," Stringer said during a military conference in London, where AP also spoke with other senior European military officials about their expectations and concerns ahead of the summit.

As the United States prepares to mark its 250th Independence Day anniversary, competing visions of the celebration are emerging, with President Donald Trump once again positioned at the center of the national spotlight. Inside the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, exhibits already reflect the country’s divided political and cultural journey. A display titled “In Pursuit of Life, Liberty and Happiness” features contrasting symbols of American life — from Nancy Pelosi’s historic speaker’s gavel and a “Make America Great Again” cap, to an AIDS activism shirt reading “Silence = Death” placed alongside campaign memorabilia from President Ronald Reagan. Museum officials say the collection is meant to show both unity and division in U.S. history. “These contestations often reflect resilience and hope,” said museum director Anthea M. Hartig, noting that American history has repeatedly moved through moments of deep division before rebuilding. Competing visions for the 250th anniversary That idea of unity is now being tested as preparations intensify for the 250th anniversary celebrations. Two main organizing groups have emerged — Freedom 250, which is aligned with the White House, and America 250, a bipartisan commission created by Congress. The parallel efforts have fueled concerns that even a milestone national celebration is becoming politically divided. On the National Mall, preparations are underway for an event called “The Great American State Fair.” Several performers, including country singer Martina McBride, have withdrawn from the lineup, saying they were not aware of the political nature of the event. Trump is scheduled to speak at the event on Wednesday. The split will continue into July Fourth, when America 250 plans a major concert in Los Angeles featuring artists including Chris Stapleton and The Smashing Pumpkins, hosted by Queen Latifah. On the same day, Trump is expected to hold a separate event on the National Mall that he has described as a “Trump rally.” A break from past presidential traditions Past U.S. presidents have used Independence Day milestones to emphasize unity rather than political identity. In 1976, President Gerald Ford spoke at Independence Hall in Philadelphia during the bicentennial celebrations, calling liberty a continuing national effort. In 1986, President Ronald Reagan marked the Statue of Liberty’s centennial in New York Harbor, joking that he would not try to compete with fireworks while highlighting shared national history. Trump’s personal imprint on events Trump, however, has often placed himself at the center of national cultural and political moments. He became the first sitting president to host the Kennedy Center Honors after a board aligned with him appointed him chairman. His name was also briefly added to the venue’s building before a court ruled the move unlawful. In Washington, Trump has overseen or supported several major changes, including demolition of the White House East Wing for a proposed ballroom and plans for a triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery. He has also hosted events such as a UFC fight at the White House. “Trump is putting himself at the center of the story,” said presidential historian Mark Updegrove. “He does not see himself as a steward of the presidency. He sees himself as its embodiment.” Public mood and national divisions Public sentiment in the U.S. appears subdued ahead of the anniversary. A recent AP-NORC poll found that only about one-quarter of Americans believe the United States stands above all other countries, while around 30% say other nations are better — a notable increase compared to 2016. The survey also shows declining confidence in democratic identity, with fewer Americans now describing a democratically elected government as “extremely” or “very” important to national identity compared to previous years. Growing competition over national celebrations The divided national mood has contributed to a rise in competing cultural and political events. Even major shared moments such as the Super Bowl halftime show have faced parallel or alternative programming following political disagreements. Organizers of Freedom 250 say their goal is to create “a unifying movement across all 50 states,” while America 250 officials say they welcome multiple celebrations. “The more celebrations, the merrier,” said America 250 chair Rosie Rios. “We can’t be all things to all Americans, but we want something for everyone.”

As the Obama Presidential Center opening prepares to open its doors on June 19 in Chicago, historians are once again reflecting on how US presidential libraries preserve both history and personality. For historian Geoffrey Ward, visiting the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum feels like stepping directly into the world of former US president Franklin D. Roosevelt. He describes the site as full of personal artefacts that reveal Roosevelt’s wide-ranging interests, from childhood belongings to books and collections that shaped his public life. Since Roosevelt helped establish the modern concept of presidential libraries in the late 1930s, the system has expanded across the United States. These institutions, now overseen in part by the US National Archives and Records Administration, range from large modern complexes to small-town museums, including the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. Historian Douglas Brinkley, who has visited most of these libraries, said each site carries a distinct atmosphere reflecting the president it represents. He noted that Roosevelt’s decision to donate his home and papers to the public set a lasting model for preserving presidential history close to where leaders lived and worked. However, experts say presidential libraries often present a carefully shaped version of history. While official archives are managed by federal professionals, museum exhibits are frequently supported by private funding, which can influence how presidents are portrayed. Some critics argue this can lead to a focus on achievements while downplaying controversies. In some cases, disputes have emerged over how sensitive events are presented, including the Watergate scandal at the Richard Nixon library and debates over policy legacies at other sites. Historian Max Boot said archival records are generally handled in a neutral and professional way, but museum displays often highlight positive aspects of a presidency more strongly than failures. Others, like historian Ted Widmer, say there has been gradual improvement in transparency. He pointed to the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library for its willingness to confront controversial issues such as the Vietnam War and historical election disputes linked to former president Lyndon B. Johnson. Widmer said it remains uncertain whether future presidential libraries will continue moving toward greater openness, especially as political divisions deepen, but stressed the importance of presenting history accurately rather than in a simplified or polished form. The new Obama Presidential Center opening has also drawn attention for its design and scale. Located on Chicago’s South Side, the project has faced both praise and criticism, including debate over its architecture and decision not to include a National Archives-managed facility on site. The centre is expected to attract up to one million visitors annually and will include a public library branch, sports facilities, gardens and community spaces. Former US president Barack Obama has been closely involved in shaping its design and features, including recreational areas and reading spaces intended for public use. Supporters say the centre reflects a modern, community-focused approach to presidential legacy, combining historical preservation with public engagement in a more interactive environment.

The United States and Iran have reportedly agreed on the wording of a draft agreement intended to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Speaking on Friday, Sharif said both countries had reached consensus on a final text and that mediators are now working with Washington and Tehran to complete the remaining steps needed to formalize the deal. Pakistan has played a leading role in the mediation efforts. In a post on X, Sharif expressed optimism, saying that a peaceful resolution appears closer than ever. The development follows several days of military exchanges involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also suggested that an agreement was within reach, while U.S. President Donald Trump shared similar sentiments by reposting Araghchi’s remarks on social media. According to Araghchi, the proposed agreement would initially focus on ending hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon. Discussions concerning Iran’s nuclear program would continue for up to 60 days after the signing of the initial accord, with the possibility of extending that timeline if necessary. Iran’s nuclear activities remain one of the most contentious issues in the negotiations. The United States and Israel argue that Tehran’s program could eventually be used to develop nuclear weapons, while Iran maintains that its nuclear efforts are strictly peaceful. A senior U.S. official indicated that the draft agreement would begin the process of eliminating or removing Iran’s highly enriched uranium. The following 60-day period would be used to address technical details related to that process. The negotiations also address the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and natural gas shipments. Disruptions in the waterway have contributed to higher energy costs worldwide. The proposed deal reportedly includes measures to reopen the strait and restore normal shipping operations. Iran has signaled that it wants to retain the right to charge transit fees for vessels using the strait, arguing that such payments would compensate for services provided during passage. Regional officials familiar with the discussions said the agreement is also expected to include a gradual easing of sanctions on Iran and the release of frozen Iranian assets. They believe a formal signing ceremony could take place within days, pending final approval from both governments. Although Israel is not directly involved in the negotiations, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also emphasized that Israel expects its security concerns—including Iran’s missile capabilities and regional proxy networks—to be addressed. Katz added that Israel reserves the right to take independent action against Iran if necessary and indicated that Israeli forces would remain in certain areas of Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and parts of the West Bank. Officials said the mediation effort has been led primarily by Pakistan, under the guidance of Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, with support from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar.

The influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has dismissed US calls for North Korea's denuclearization as an outdated fantasy, saying Pyongyang will continue to strengthen its nuclear capabilities in response to what it sees as threats led by Washington. The remarks by Kim Yo Jong came a day before Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit North Korea for talks with Kim Jong Un, marking his first trip to the country in seven years. Kim Yo Jong said the United States has no authority to challenge North Korea’s status as a nuclear-armed state and described Washington’s position as unilateral rhetoric without legal force. She also rejected US claims that President Donald Trump and Xi Jinping had reaffirmed their shared goal of denuclearizing North Korea during talks in Beijing last month, calling such assertions false. According to Kim Yo Jong, some US officials remain trapped in what she described as an unrealistic and outdated view regarding North Korea’s nuclear programme. North Korea has accelerated efforts to expand its nuclear weapons capabilities since diplomacy between Kim Jong Un and Trump collapsed in 2019. Analysts say Pyongyang seeks international recognition as a nuclear state to strengthen its position in negotiations and push for the removal of international sanctions. Last week, Kim Jong Un visited a newly built nuclear materials production facility and said the country's nuclear forces would grow at an “exponential” pace. North Korean state media reported Sunday that he also inspected a weapons factory a day earlier and ordered a 2.5-fold increase in missile production capacity under the current five-year development plan. In her statement, Kim Yo Jong accused the United States and South Korea of continuing military build-ups, saying North Korea’s policy of strengthening its nuclear deterrent for self-defence is irreversible and will be pursued without conditions. Experts say Xi’s visit is largely aimed at reinforcing China’s influence over North Korea at a time when Pyongyang has been drawing closer to Russia. They believe Xi is unlikely to press the denuclearization issue directly and may instead focus on economic cooperation and assistance. North Korea has provided troops and conventional weapons to Russia to support its war in Ukraine. Officials in South Korea and the United States say Moscow has responded by offering economic and other forms of assistance to Pyongyang.