The statement, released through the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Thursday, blames the U.S. for what it calls a "systematic dismantling" of trust and dialogue built in past negotiations. It marks the regime’s first public comment on the stalled talks since late 2024, when backchannel communications between Pyongyang and Washington reportedly collapsed over sanctions and denuclearization terms.
"The responsibility for the collapse of dialogue lies squarely with the United States," said the statement from North Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "As long as Washington continues to pursue confrontation under the guise of diplomacy, there will be no reason for further talks."
The regime also criticized recent U.S.-South Korea military exercises, describing them as "aggressive rehearsal[s] for war" that undermine regional stability and violate prior agreements.
In Washington, U.S. officials downplayed the statement, describing it as “predictable rhetoric.” However, the Biden administration has left the door open for renewed engagement.
“Our position remains clear: we are willing to meet without preconditions,” said a senior U.S. State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “But North Korea must be willing to engage in serious and constructive dialogue.”
Experts say the timing of Pyongyang’s statement is significant. It follows a recent series of missile tests, a visit by Russian officials to North Korea, and increased speculation about deeper military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.
"This is less about a return to diplomacy and more about setting the terms for a power play," said Dr. Sung Mi-kyung, a security analyst at the Korea Institute for International Policy. "North Korea is recalibrating its position and signaling that it will only return to talks from a position of strength."
Meanwhile, South Korean officials have expressed cautious optimism that Pyongyang’s re-entry into the diplomatic conversation—however critical—could offer a potential opening.
“We note North Korea’s remarks and urge it to choose dialogue over confrontation,” said South Korea’s Foreign Minister, Cho Hyun-jin.
The United Nations and European Union have also weighed in, encouraging both sides to avoid provocations and seek a peaceful resolution to the impasse.
Whether North Korea’s statement signals a tactical shift or merely a reiteration of longstanding grievances remains to be seen. But after months of silence, Pyongyang has made one thing clear: it still sees itself as a central actor in the region’s fragile balance of power.