Trump-Kim Talks Could Yield Nuclear Freeze, Expert Argues
WASHINGTON – A renewed dialog between former President Donald Trump and north Korean leader Kim Jong Un could be a pivotal step towards halting the expansion of Pyongyang‘s nuclear arsenal, according to a new analysis by national security expert Joseph Detrani. Published in The Washington Times, the assessment suggests a phased approach – focusing initially on freezing nuclear advancement rather than immediate denuclearization - could yield significant security benefits for the U.S. and its allies.
The shift in North Korea’s geopolitical standing, bolstered by strengthening ties with Russia and China, has fundamentally altered the landscape of international pressure, Detrani argues. With two of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council now aligned with North Korea, the efficacy of UN sanctions is increasingly questionable. Recent appearances alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Beijing parade commemorating the end of World War Two have demonstrably increased Kim Jong Un’s “international credibility,” particularly within the Global South.
“We are now dealing with a different North Korea,” Detrani writes. “Mr. Kim is more self-confident…Having two of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council ensures that North Korea no longer must be concerned with UN sanctions.”
The analysis proposes a series of meetings between Trump and Kim could lead to a North Korean commitment to halt the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons, suspend further nuclear tests, and enact a moratorium on ballistic missile launches. Such an outcome would be considered a major diplomatic win for the U.S. and would likely de-escalate tensions with South Korea and japan.
While complete and verifiable denuclearization remains the “eventual” U.S. goal, Detrani advocates for a pragmatic ”action-for-action” process. This would involve a reciprocal approach: as North Korea demonstrates verifiable restraint in its nuclear and missile programs, the U.S. could respond by lifting sanctions imposed after 2016, offering security assurances, providing economic development assistance, and exploring the establishment of liaison offices in both countries. The expert also suggests encouraging North Korea to rejoin the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
“Mr. Trump entering talks with Mr. Kim could develop into a relationship with north Korea that could prove beneficial for the U.S.and its allies and partners,” Detrani concludes.
(Original Source: The Washington Times – https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/sep/24/trump-talking-kim-jong-un/)