North Korea has called on the United States to abandon military threats if it is concerned about the safety of its mainland, according to a statement released by state media KCNA on Saturday.

The remarks come in response to recent comments from the head of U.S. Northern Command, who highlighted the capability of North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) to reach U.S. territory.

North Korea accused Washington of engaging in provocative actions, citing joint military exercises with South Korea and the deployment of a nuclear submarine to the Korean Peninsula. The statement emphasized that enhancing its defense capabilities is a sovereign right of the nation.

Tensions between North Korea and the United States have remained high, with Pyongyang repeatedly condemning military cooperation between Washington and Seoul as a threat to its security.