North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently stated that his nation sees no reason to avoid discussions with the United States, provided Washington ceases its insistence on Pyongyang abandoning its nuclear weapons program. This declaration was reported by the state news agency KCNA on Monday, September 22, 2025.
Speaking at the Supreme People’s Assembly on Sunday, September 21, Mr. Kim reportedly expressed continued positive sentiments towards former U.S. President Donald Trump. Their previous encounters included three significant meetings during Trump’s initial presidential term, as also noted by KCNA.
Mr. Kim explicitly stated, "If the United States abandons its irrational focus on our denuclearization, acknowledges our reality, and genuinely seeks peaceful coexistence, then there is no obstacle to us engaging in dialogue."
According to Kim, the development of nuclear weapons is a fundamental matter of national survival, essential for safeguarding North Korea’s security against significant perceived threats from both the United States and South Korea.
He further elaborated that he dismissed recent calls for dialogue from both Washington and Seoul, viewing them as disingenuous. He argued that their underlying objective—to undermine North Korea and destabilize his government—had not shifted.
As evidence, he cited South Korea’s proposal for a phased approach to ending North Korea’s nuclear programs, interpreting it as further proof of their unchanged intentions.
Since assuming office in June, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has extended gestures of peace, emphasizing the necessity of dialogue with Pyongyang. His proposals have included confidence-building measures aimed at ultimately dismantling North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.
However, in an interview with Reuters, Mr. Lee acknowledged the considerable challenges involved in resuming discussions with the North. Despite these hurdles, he maintained his belief that a phased strategy for denuclearizing Pyongyang remains the most practical path forward.
Mr. Lee concluded by stating that establishing the appropriate conditions to entice North Korea back to the negotiating table is crucial, and he suggested that former President Trump could play a vital role in these endeavors.