Trump downplays North Korea nuclear arsenal and cites personal ties with Kim Jong Un

Trump comments on North Korean nuclear arms

In comments to journalists in Washington on 29 September 2026, US President Donald Trump downplayed concerns regarding North Korea's nuclear arsenal. Asked to explain why North Korea is allowed to maintain nuclear weapons while Iran is prohibited from acquiring them, Trump pointed to his personal connection with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump noted that while Pyongyang possesses substantial nuclear capabilities, the arsenal does not match the scale of the United States. He also acknowledged facing public criticism for describing his relationship with the North Korean leader in friendly terms.

Trump maintained that his personal rapport with Kim ensures stability during his presidency.

Kim Jong Un is a friend of mine. He likes Trump, he doesn't like many other people. I'm pretty much the only person in the world he likes, and I like him too.

He stated that the bilateral relationship would prevent conflict between Washington and Pyongyang.

As long as I'm here, it will be fine. You know why? Because he respects me and I like him.

Contrasting approaches to Pyongyang and Tehran

When asked about the divergence in US policy between North Korea and Iran, Trump placed responsibility on former US presidents. He argued that earlier administrations had the opportunity to prevent North Korea from completing its nuclear weapons program but failed to intervene. Trump contrasted those past policies with his own administration's actions regarding Tehran, referencing joint military operations conducted alongside Israel against Iranian targets.

While the US president takes an uncompromising stance against Iran ever obtaining nuclear weapons, his posture toward North Korea has remained focused on leader-level engagement. Trump asserted that previous White House leadership did not demonstrate the resolve necessary to halt North Korean nuclear expansion in its earlier stages.

Nuclear diplomacy and regional disputes with Iran

The dispute over Iran's nuclear activities remains central to stalled diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The United States and Israel have repeatedly stated that Iran seeks to manufacture nuclear weapons, an allegation the Iranian government consistently denies. The International Atomic Energy Agency has reported that there is no proof of an active Iranian nuclear weapons program.

Diplomatic friction between the two governments escalated after the United States unilaterally withdrew in 2018 from the multinational nuclear accord signed in 2015. Alongside the nuclear file, the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz represents a second central point of contention between the warring parties, affecting one of the most critical maritime routes for global oil commerce.

Diplomatic stance in Pyongyang and Seoul

In Pyongyang, North Korean authorities have acknowledged the personal ties established between Kim and Trump during several summit meetings held during Trump's first term in office. However, the North Korean leadership has rejected concrete proposals for formal diplomatic dialogue and has not agreed to schedule another summit, despite Trump publicly calling for new meetings.

Kim Yo Jong, the sister of Kim Jong Un, previously confirmed that Kim retains positive memories and sentiment toward Trump. She dismissed all international demands for North Korean denuclearization as unrealistic. Meanwhile, authorities in Seoul continue to express concern over ongoing weapons development by Pyongyang, as regional tensions persist across the Korean peninsula.