Jan 29 (V7N) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged to expand Pyongyang's nuclear program indefinitely, state media reported Wednesday. His remarks come days after new U.S. President Donald Trump expressed interest in renewing diplomacy with North Korea.

During a visit to a nuclear-material production facility, Kim warned of an "inevitable" confrontation with hostile nations, declaring 2025 a "crucial year" for strengthening the country’s nuclear forces. His statement follows North Korea's recent sea-to-surface strategic missile test, its first since Trump returned to office on January 20.

A U.S. National Security Council official responded, stating that Trump remains committed to "the complete denuclearization of North Korea", similar to his approach in his first term. Experts suggest the Trump administration is taking a dual-track strategy, combining diplomatic overtures with continued pressure for denuclearization.

Trump and Kim previously met three times, beginning with their historic 2018 Singapore summit. While Trump once said he and Kim "fell in love", their second summit in Hanoi (2019) collapsed over disagreements on sanctions relief.

Despite crippling economic sanctions, North Korea declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear state in 2022. Analysts believe Pyongyang may still seek sanctions relief through future talks with Washington, but Kim remains firm on nuclear expansion.

With both leaders signaling interest in engagement, the world now watches for a potential new chapter in U.S.-North Korea diplomacy.

END/WD/RH/