State Dept. reaffirms U.S. commitment to 'complete' denuclearization of N. Korea

A spokesperson for the department confirmed the commitment in response to an inquiry from Yonhap News Agency. Last week, Trump's response to a reporter's question about his goals for re-engaging with Kim raised concerns that Washington might shift its policy focus to objectives short of complete denuclearization, such as arms control or tension reduction.

Earlier on Wednesday, a U.S. official told Yonhap News Agency that "no change in U.S. policy" has occurred regarding the commitment to denuclearization. As Trump seeks a potential meeting with Kim later this year, questions have surfaced about whether he might lower diplomatic expectations, especially given Pyongyang's insistence that its nuclear status is "irreversible" and its refusal to bargain away its nuclear program.

Trump's recent actions, including scaling back joint military exercises with South Korea, have further fueled speculation about a potential shift away from a primary focus on denuclearization. In response to these concerns, Seoul's foreign ministry stated Tuesday that both South Korea and the U.S. remain aligned on the goal of peace, stability, and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.