North Korea has criticized the U.S. over its AUKUS nuclear submarine deal with Australia, calling it a "threat to regional peace."

Axar.az, citing VOA, reports that state media KCNA warned of consequences from U.S.-led nuclear alliances, including AUKUS and trilateral cooperation with South Korea and Japan.

Australia recently made a $500 million payment under the AUKUS agreement, which involves a total of $3 billion to support the U.S. submarine industry and the future purchase of Virginia-class submarines.

North Korea also denounced U.S. military cooperation with South Korea and Japan, labeling it the "Asian version of NATO." In response to North Korea’s nuclear threats, South Korea and the U.S. conducted a joint air drill featuring a B-1B strategic bomber to demonstrate deterrence.