The amendment was approved by the country’s Supreme People’s Assembly after a two-day meeting, according to state media outlet KCNA.

Under the revised Article 3 of North Korea’s nuclear policy law, “If the command-and-control system over the state’s nuclear forces is placed in danger by hostile forces’ attacks … a nuclear strike shall be launched automatically and immediately.”

Kim described the move as a “historic” step and said it would strengthen national defence capabilities and protect state interests.

The constitutional changes come amid heightened international tensions following the recent US-Iran conflict, during which Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior officials were reportedly killed.

Other constitutional revisions reportedly include removing references to Korean reunification, strengthening territorial definitions of the DPRK and placing greater emphasis on nuclear deterrence as a central element of state policy.