Trump says N Korea’s Kim has responded to his request for a conversation

Live updates

1. 28d ago

   Trump says Kim Jong-un responded to requests for conversation

   Donald Trump reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has responded to his overtures for a conversation. This diplomatic outreach occurs as Trump faces a quagmire in Iran and alters military engagements in the region. While Trump seeks a dialogue with Kim, tensions with South Korea are rising. President Lee has warned South Korea to prepare for a worst-case scenario following Trump's decision to cut military drills. Additionally, lagging South Korean investment pledges are reportedly straining the security relationship between the two allies.

   Why it matters

   The U.S. security relationship with South Korea is under pressure due to investment disputes and reduced military exercises. Trump is pivoting toward North Korea at a time when U.S. efforts in Iran are stalled.

   What is confirmed

   • Trump says Kim Jong-un has responded to his overtures for a conversation.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Lagging South Korean investment pledges are damaging the U.S. security relationship.

   What to watch next

   • Response from the South Korean government regarding the cut in military drills.
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. Reuters — Trump says North Korea's Kim has responded to his overtures
   2. politico.com — ‘The slowest negotiators ever’: How lagging South Korean investment pledges are hurting its U.S. security relationship
   3. The New York Times — Facing Quagmire in Iran, Trump Turns to a Familiar Face: North Korea’s Kim Jong-un
   4. CNBC — South Korea must brace for ‘worst-case scenario,’ President Lee says, as Trump cuts military drills
   5. Al Jazeera — Trump says N Korea’s Kim has responded to his request for a conversation
   confidence 80%