Kim Jong Un Offers Conditional Talks with US, Firmly Rejects Denuclearization

Kim Jong Un Extends Conditional Offer for US Talks

Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed openness to dialogue with the United States, but strictly on the condition that Washington abandons its long-standing demand for Pyongyang's denuclearization. The remarks were made during a session of the Supreme People's Assembly on Sunday, September 21, 2025, and subsequently reported by state media, including Korean Central Television (KCTV) and the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), on Monday, September 22, 2025.

Pyongyang's Unwavering Stance on Nuclear Arsenal

In his address, Kim Jong Un unequivocally stated that North Korea 'will never give up its nuclear weapons' and emphasized that there would 'never be, and will never ever be for eternity, any negotiations with enemies of exchanging some things out of some obsession with lifting sanctions.' This declaration underscores Pyongyang's firm position that its nuclear status is non-negotiable. Kim further asserted that if the United States 'drops the absurd obsession with denuclearising us and accepts reality, and wants genuine peaceful coexistence, there is no reason for us not to sit down with the United States.'

The North Korean leader also dismissed recent overtures from South Korea, explicitly stating that he has no intention of resuming dialogue with the key US ally, which he referred to as the 'main enemy.' This rejection comes despite efforts by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to ease tensions and propose a phased approach to denuclearization.

Recalling Past Diplomacy and US Policy

Significantly, Kim Jong Un recalled 'fond memories' of former US President Donald Trump, with whom he held three high-profile summits during Trump's first presidency in Singapore, Hanoi, and at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between 2018 and 2019. These comments follow recent expressions of willingness from both Trump and President Lee Jae-myung to meet with the North Korean leader. Despite these personal sentiments, the White House has consistently maintained that the ultimate objective of US policy remains the complete denuclearization of North Korea.

International Context and Sanctions

The conditional offer for talks comes amidst continued acceleration of North Korea's weapons development and strengthening ties with Russia. International sanctions imposed by the United Nations have failed to deter Pyongyang, which continues to make significant advancements in its nuclear arsenal and ballistic missile programs. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has acknowledged the ineffectiveness of past sanctions, suggesting a more 'realistic' goal of freezing nuclear production rather than insisting on full dismantlement.