U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed his positive relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Thursday, describing the country as a "nuclear power" and leaving open the possibility of reestablishing ties.

During an Oval Office meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump was asked whether he planned to resume talks with Kim. "I would ... I have a great relationship with Kim Jong Un, and we'll see what happens, but certainly, he's a nuclear power," he said.

Trump’s remarks come after his inauguration for a second term on January 20, when he also referred to North Korea as a "nuclear power." This has raised questions about whether his administration will focus on arms reduction talks rather than the denuclearization efforts that were unsuccessful during his first term.

Addressing the broader issue of nuclear proliferation, Trump noted the strength of nuclear arsenals held by Russia and China. "It would be a great achievement if we could bring down the number. We have so many weapons, and the power is so great," he said. He also acknowledged other nuclear-armed nations, including India and Pakistan, adding that efforts to reduce nuclear stockpiles would need to involve multiple countries, including North Korea.

When asked whether Trump's comments signaled a shift in U.S. policy on North Korea’s nuclear weapons, a White House official stated that the president remains committed to the "complete denuclearization of North Korea, just as he did in his first term."

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with his Japanese and South Korean counterparts, reaffirmed their stance on February 15, emphasizing their "resolute commitment to the complete denuclearization" of North Korea in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Tensions between Washington and Pyongyang have escalated in recent weeks. Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of Kim Jong Un, recently accused the Trump administration of increasing "provocations," which she claimed justified North Korea’s nuclear expansion. The situation further intensified as North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles this week, marking its first such tests since Trump assumed office for his second term.

As global leaders watch closely, the possibility of renewed diplomatic engagement between the U.S. and North Korea remains uncertain amid ongoing security challenges.