Donald Trump administration is considering resuming direct communication with North Korea, sources familiar with the president told Axios portal. According to them, confidential discussions are already underway in the White House with the participation of outside experts, current and former officials.
The Swedish ambassador to North Korea, who also represents US interests in Pyongyang, visited Washington last week. The purpose of the visit, according to sources, was to consult with U.S. officials and experts on possible transactions with North Korea. Among the key topics of discussion was identifying a possible negotiator on the North Korean side if the talks are resumed.
During President Trump’s first term, talks with the DPRK centred on North Korea’s renunciation of nuclear weapons, whereas now, amid Pyongyang’s ‘alarming progress’ in the nuclear sphere, the topic is unlikely to be discussed.
During his initial presidential tenure, Trump met on three occasions with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un: in Singapore, Hanoi and at the demilitarised zone on the North and South Korea border. Despite the high mediatisation of these meetings, no concrete diplomatic results were achieved, Reuters notes. In March 2025, Trump confirmed that there remains ‘communication’ between Washington and North Korea.
Although specific measures have not yet been announced, diplomatic sources expect any potential negotiations to be based on a new understanding of the realities in the region and taking into account Pyongyang’s strengthened position.
