Trump 'clearly' wants dialogue with Pyongyang: South Korean President
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stated that U.S. President Donald Trump is seeking dialogue with North Korea despite rising regional tensions. Meanwhile, Seoul has confirmed it will not participate in any military intervention regarding the ongoing war in Iran.
Why it matters
The potential for renewed U.S.-North Korea diplomacy amidst nuclear proliferation concerns and regional conflicts is a critical geopolitical development.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Friday (September 18, 2026) that U.S. President Donald Trump clearly wants dialogue with Pyongyang and confirmed Seoul will not be deploying troops to intervene militarily in the Iran war.
Mr. Trump, seeking to revive the bond he claims to have forged with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in his first term, said last month that he plans to meet Mr. Kim later this year.
The U.S. president also said it was important to "get along" with Mr. Kim, adding that Pyongyang now had 57 "very powerful" nuclear weapons. Seoul says there are around 80-120.
North Korea, which has secured critical backing from Russia in recent years, did not clearly respond to Mr. Trump's overtures.
Mr. Lee said Friday it was "clear" that "Trump wants dialogue, and I am also urging President Trump to engage in dialogue."
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