Trump says he expects to meet North Korean leader by year-end

U.S. President Donald Trump anticipated a face-to-face encounter with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un by year-end, according to Kyodo. The president, who had been reaching out to Kim since the week's commencement, further disclosed to reporters that North Korea holds 57 formidable nuclear weapons. This statement occurred amidst Trump's ongoing negotiations with Iran concerning nuclear and other matters.

Trump lamented, "If I were president, I wouldn't have allowed it," referring to North Korea's proliferation of nuclear weapons. He expressed confidence that a "smart president" would ensure the situation with Kim remains manageable.

When asked about a potential meeting with Kim beyond 2026, Trump affirmed his willingness to meet, providing minimal details on the matter. North Korea has consistently aspired to be acknowledged as a nuclear weapons state, with this status being a prerequisite for resuming discussions with Washington. The White House has maintained its stance that the administration is committed to not officially recognizing North Korea as a nuclear power and aims for its complete denuclearization.

However, Trump's recent mention of a specific count of North Korean nuclear weapons was unprecedented for a U.S. president.

Trump's remarks on North Korea's nuclear arsenal marked a departure from his stance in 2018, when he became the first sitting U.S. president to meet with a North Korean leader in Singapore. At that time, both leaders pledged to strive for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Trump and Kim engaged in two subsequent face-to-face meetings, but both sides ultimately departed without achieving their objectives, as North Korea continued to expand its missile and nuclear capabilities.

During a subsequent press briefing at the White House, Trump evaded questions regarding whether his aim for North Korea's denuclearization remains a priority. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute estimates North Korea to possess around 60 nuclear warheads and the capacity to manufacture at least 30 more. Trump maintained that Kim holds him in high regard, and a cordial relationship between the United States and North Korea would be advantageous for the rest of the world, including Japan and South Korea.

Following a call for a reduction in the annual U.S.-South Korea military exercise, the exercise's duration was shortened by six days.