North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, stated that he is open to discussions with the United States if America eliminates its demands for the cessation of his nuclear program. Kim spoke on Sunday, September 21, 2025, during a session of the Supreme People’s Assembly. State media outlet KCNA reported his comments the following day in the Assembly. State media outlet KCNA reported his comments the following day.
Kim said he remembers US President Donald Trump fondly. The two met three times during Trump’s first term. “If the US accepts reality and wants peace, there’s no reason not to talk,” Kim said. This comes as South Korea’s new leader pushes for dialogue.
Kim made it clear: North Korea will never give up nukes. He called them the key to safety against the US and South Korea threats. Kim listed joint military drills as proof of war plans. He said sanctions made his country stronger, not weaker.
North Korea's Kim Jong Un said he is open to talks with the U.S. if it drops its denuclearization demand — remarks that came as South Korea's leader said he would back a deal to freeze Pyongyang's nuclear program. https://t.co/XkaYoMkAjc
— The Japan Times (@japantimes) September 22, 2025Read: Kim Jong Un Pledges Support for Russia’s War at Beijing Summit
“There will never be negotiations to trade our nukes for sanctions lift,” Kim stated. He called the US and South Korea’s peace offers fake. Kim said they still want to destroy his regime. A South Korean plan for step-by-step nuclear cuts proves this, he added.
South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung said sanctions failed. They made North Korea build 15-20 nukes yearly. Lee wants dialogue to build trust. He sees Trump’s role as key. Lee took office in June 2025 and pushed for talks. Talks collapsed six years ago over nukes and sanctions. Kim’s words show a small door open. But he won’t give up weapons. This affects the US, South Korea, and world peace.
