North Korea Demands US Accept Nuclear Status Before Summit

North Korea, through Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, has demanded that the United States recognize its status as an irreversible nuclear weapons state before any new summit with President Donald Trump. She emphasized that North Korea's nuclear capabilities and geopolitical environment have fundamentally changed since the previous summits in 2018 and 2019, and any attempts to pursue denuclearization without acknowledging this new reality would be futile and seen as a mockery. Kim Yo Jong acknowledged the personal relationship between Trump and her brother but stated that such ties would not influence North Korea's nuclear stance. She warned that if the U.S. continues with its previous approach, future talks would remain merely a hope for the U.S. side. The North Korean statement comes after the White House expressed openness to renewed dialogue and denuclearization talks with Pyongyang, highlighting a significant divergence in positions. North Korea also suggested that Washington seek new forms of engagement based on this changed geopolitical context rather than confrontation.