North Korea's state media outlet KCNA published an editorial on Monday denouncing the ongoing Resolute Dragon joint exercise between Japan's Ground Self-Defense Forces and the US Marine Corps, calling it a "war rehearsal" and accusing Tokyo of sharpening its "invasion capability." The editorial also referenced a separate exercise, Iron Fist, held in February, and warned Japan of a "tragic end" if it continues what Pyongyang described as reckless military behaviour. The Resolute Dragon exercise, held across Okinawa and Kyushu (major islands in southwestern Japan), began on June 20 and is due to conclude Tuesday; notably, the North Korean statement directed its criticism solely at Japan rather than the United States.