South Korean intelligence suggests that North Korea may be distancing itself from longtime ally Iran as it seeks to explore a potential new relationship with the United States.

Seoul’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported that there is no evidence Pyongyang has sent weapons or other support to Tehran since the US-Israel conflict with Iran began in late February, according to lawmaker Park Sun-won, who attended a closed-door briefing on Sunday.

Unlike Iran’s other allies, China and Russia, which have frequently commented on the war, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry has released only two carefully worded statements.

While Pyongyang condemned the US and Israeli strikes as illegal, it did not issue public condolences following Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death or acknowledge the succession of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei.

The NIS believes this cautious stance may be aimed at positioning North Korea for a new diplomatic opening with Washington once tensions in the Middle East ease, Park said.

The intelligence agency also indicated that Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un may be grooming his teenage daughter, Ju Ae, as his successor.

Recent state media images showing her driving a tank appear intended to showcase her military aptitude, echoing similar displays by Kim during his own early rise to power. Ju Ae is believed to be around 13 years old.

Previously, Kim’s influential sister, Kim Yo Jong, was considered the leading contender to succeed him.

On Monday, she appeared in North Korean media welcoming an apology from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung regarding a January drone incursion.

“The ROK president personally expressed regret and proposed measures to prevent a recurrence. Our government considers this a wise and fortunate step,” Kim Yo Jong said, according to the official Korean Central News Agency.

Seoul had initially denied any official involvement in the incident, suggesting it was carried out by civilians.

Lee later revealed that a government probe had confirmed the participation of South Korean officials.

“We express regret to the North over the unnecessary military tensions caused by the irresponsible actions of a few individuals,” Lee said.

Since taking office last year, Lee has sought to improve ties with Pyongyang, criticising his predecessor for allegedly using drones to spread propaganda.

While North Korea largely ignored these overtures until now, Kim’s recent acceptance of the apology marks a rare public acknowledgement.

This comes after Kim earlier described South Korea as the “most hostile state” in a March policy address, pledging to “thoroughly reject and disregard” its actions.