North Korea is preparing contingency plans for possible negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump. Officials in Pyongyang view Trump’s interest in dialogue as encouraging. However, they see the United States as still testing the waters. Therefore, North Korean leaders emphasize that decisions about their nuclear program remain under domestic control. They reject talks that demand full denuclearization. Instead, they aim to leverage their nuclear capabilities to gain sanctions relief and other incentives.
The foreign ministry bureau responsible for U.S. strategy is drafting detailed scenarios. These plans focus on freezing nuclear production and reducing risks rather than pursuing complete denuclearization. Officials are also exploring measures to gradually limit operations at specific nuclear facilities, such as the Yongbyon complex. Meanwhile, Pyongyang hopes to secure incremental sanctions relief and economic incentives from the United States.
North Korea’s approach emphasizes incremental progress over comprehensive agreements. Lessons from past Trump negotiations in Hanoi guide their strategy. Officials prefer smaller deals in concrete areas such as energy, public health, and agriculture. They plan to use these agreements as stepping stones to obtain sanctions relief. Pyongyang seeks recognition of its nuclear status while keeping full denuclearization off the table.
Additionally, the regime aims to secure petroleum and mineral sanctions relief, authorization for limited financial transactions, and a non-aggression pact. They hope these steps will prevent military confrontations and enhance security guarantees. At the same time, North Korea wants to reduce its reliance on China and Russia. Officials describe this as “rebalancing” rather than replacing these ties, maintaining caution in foreign relations.
Pyongyang is evaluating channels for potential U.S. contact, including its United Nations delegation in New York and third-party nations like Sweden. North Korea has set aside the option of meeting at Panmunjom due to unstable inter-Korean relations. If both sides agree to meet, North Korea would prefer neutral venues such as Singapore or Geneva. Meanwhile, leaders stress that negotiations depend on U.S. incentives and Trump’s decisions.
Overall, North Korea plans to use potential Trump talks to advance strategic objectives. Leaders prioritize incremental agreements, sanctions relief, and security guarantees. Meanwhile, they maintain a cautious approach toward dialogue, ensuring domestic priorities remain central. The regime’s focus on step-by-step progress highlights its long-term strategy for international recognition of its nuclear capabilities.
