Kim Jong Un Vows to Expand North Korea's Nuclear Arsenal as Trump Signals Renewed Talks

North Korea's leader calls for indefinite nuclear development, while the U.S. president expresses openness to re-engage in diplomacy.

Kim Jong Un inspected key nuclear facilities and urged an indefinite expansion of North Korea's nuclear weapons program, state media reported.
Kim described 2025 as a pivotal year for strengthening the country's nuclear forces under its five-year military development plan initiated in 2021.
The North Korean leader emphasized the need for producing more weapons-grade nuclear material and bolstering the nation's 'nuclear shield' against perceived hostilities.
President Donald Trump, in his second term, has expressed a willingness to resume dialogue with Kim, highlighting their past meetings and his view of Kim as a 'smart' and pragmatic leader.
Analysts suggest Kim's nuclear rhetoric aims to increase leverage in potential negotiations with the U.S., as Washington reiterates its goal of complete denuclearization.