Recent South Korean intelligence reports have revealed serious and systematic moves by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to pave the way for his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, to become the likely successor to power in the nuclear-armed state. Two South Korean lawmakers reported on Thursday, citing a briefing from the National Intelligence Service, that there are strong indications the daughter is becoming increasingly involved in political affairs beyond mere protocol appearances.

Strengthening the position of the "first daughter"

Parliamentarians explained that the intelligence service is closely monitoring upcoming developments, specifically Kim Ju-ae's potential attendance at the ruling Workers' Party's upcoming meeting, how she will be presented to the media and the public, and whether she will be granted an official position within the party structure. It is estimated that the nature of her roles at public events suggests she has begun to make political contributions, and that she is effectively being treated within the inner circles of power as the second most powerful figure in the country.

Historical context: The fourth generation of the family's rule

This development comes within the long-established historical context of the Pyongyang regime, which has relied entirely on the dynastic succession of power since the founding of the state by grandfather Kim Il-sung, through father Kim Jong-il, and up to the current leader. The potential rise of Ju-ae is a clear indication of Kim Jong-un's desire to secure the continuation of family rule for a fourth generation, a cornerstone of the regime's stability and its political ideology based on the cult of personality.

Significance of military and political emergence

Kim Ju-ae, believed to be in her early teens, is increasingly appearing in North Korean state media, often alongside her father at highly sensitive locations such as inspecting weapons programs and missile launch sites. Political analysts see this deliberate association of the daughter with the military as sending a message to both the international community and the North Korean leadership that the country's strategic and defense policies will continue unabated under the next generation of leaders.

Anticipation for the Labour Party meeting

All eyes are now on the opening session of the Ninth Workers' Party Congress, scheduled for late February. This event is considered pivotal, as experts expect it to reveal the main political directions for the coming years, particularly regarding the economy, foreign policy, and defense. It will also be a true test of the seriousness with which Kim Ju-ae can be presented to the ruling elite as the official successor to her father.

US President Donald Trump affirmed today (Wednesday) a decisive stance during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, stressing his explicit desire to continue the diplomatic track and talks with Iran with the aim of reaching a new agreement, despite the well-known Israeli reservations regarding this issue.

Details of the meeting and adherence to the diplomatic option

In remarks following the closed-door meeting, President Trump clarified that no final decisions were reached regarding future dealings, except for one crucial point: his insistence on continuing negotiations. Describing the meeting's outcome, Trump said, "Nothing final was reached except that I insisted on continuing negotiations with Iran to see if an agreement is possible." The US president indicated that he had made it clear to Netanyahu directly that "reaching an agreement, if possible, would be his preferred option," reflecting the US administration's desire to exhaust all diplomatic avenues before resorting to other escalation options.

General context and background of strained relations

This announcement comes at a sensitive time for the Middle East, as all eyes turn to Washington to see what US foreign policy toward Tehran will look like. The relationship between the United States and Iran has long been characterized by ebbs and flows, particularly regarding the nuclear issue. Observers believe that Trump's insistence on negotiations reflects a strategy aimed at achieving a "grand bargain" that safeguards US interests and curbs Iranian nuclear ambitions through a binding agreement, rather than relying solely on a policy of maximum pressure or direct military confrontation that could plunge the region into unpredictable chaos.

The Israeli position and regional influences

On the other hand, this American stance poses a challenge to the vision of the Israeli government, headed by Benjamin Netanyahu, which has long questioned the usefulness of talks with Tehran, believing that the Iranian regime is merely using the time to develop its nuclear capabilities. Historically, Israel has pushed for stricter sanctions and brandished the threat of military action. However, Trump's insistence on negotiations puts US-Israeli relations to the test of coordination, as Washington seeks to reassure its strategic ally that any potential agreement will address Tel Aviv's security concerns.

Regionally and internationally, this approach carries important messages for the Gulf states and global energy markets, as continued negotiations could contribute to reducing tensions in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, positively impacting the stability of oil supplies and the global economy. The question remains, however, regarding Tehran's flexibility in dealing with American conditions and Washington's ability to formulate an agreement that satisfies its allies in the region and achieves lasting security.