North Korea Demands US Accept Its Nuclear Status
North Korea has issued a strong statement demanding that the United States officially recognize it as a nuclear weapons state. Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and a key political figure in Pyongyang, stated that denuclearization is no longer a topic for discussion and that the country’s nuclear arsenal is now a permanent reality.
She warned that insisting on denuclearization would be viewed as a hostile act, and made it clear that any future talks must begin with Washington acknowledging North Korea’s nuclear status.
Past Diplomacy Rejected
Kim Yo Jong dismissed the idea that the personal relationship between her brother and former U.S. President Donald Trump could lead to renewed negotiations. She said that using their past rapport to push for disarmament is both unrealistic and counterproductive.
According to her, the situation has changed significantly since the 2018 and 2019 summits, with North Korea enhancing its strategic capabilities and reorienting its defense posture. She added that expecting the same conditions or outcomes from a new round of talks would be foolish.
US Maintains Denuclearization Goal
In response, U.S. officials reiterated that their position remains unchanged. The Biden-Trump transition has not altered Washington’s long-term aim of achieving a fully denuclearized Korean Peninsula. The U.S. continues to express willingness for dialogue, but only within the framework of denuclearization.
A Stalemate Deepens
The latest comments from North Korea further complicate any future diplomatic efforts. Analysts believe that Pyongyang is now pushing for de facto recognition as a nuclear-armed state, which would challenge international norms and set a difficult precedent for global non-proliferation goals.
Unless the U.S. softens its position, negotiations are unlikely to move forward. The standoff highlights the growing gap between both sides, with little indication of a breakthrough on the horizon.
