Trump claims Kim Jong Un responded to request for talks, calls dialogue positive

Washington – President Joe Biden said on Thursday that diplomatic talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have reached a “positive” stage, while also criticizing South Korea for declining to participate in a U.S.-led military effort against Iran. In a press briefing, Biden noted that recent high‑level exchanges have produced “constructive dialogue” and that both sides are working toward concrete steps on denuclearization and humanitarian issues, though no formal agreement has yet been announced. He added that the United States remains committed to a stable Korean Peninsula and will continue to engage Pyongyang through established diplomatic channels.

Biden also addressed Seoul’s position on the escalating tensions with Iran, stating that the United States expected its allies, including South Korea, to share the burden of confronting Iranian aggression. He described Seoul’s refusal to join the proposed coalition as “unfortunate” and urged the South Korean government to reconsider its stance, emphasizing the importance of a unified response to regional security threats. The president concluded that while progress with North Korea is encouraging, broader alliance cooperation remains essential for addressing emerging challenges in the Indo‑Pacific and Middle East.