Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Aug 6: In a striking assessment of evolving U.S. foreign policy, former senior American official Robert Joseph has suggested that the United States might one day accept North Korea as a nuclear-armed state, given its continued defiance and Washington’s confidence in its deterrence capabilities.

Speaking at an online seminar hosted by The Washington Times Foundation, Joseph — who served as Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security from 2005 to 2007 — noted the growing possibility that Washington may no longer insist on complete denuclearisation if Pyongyang remains unyielding.

“There is a likelihood — I don't know how small — that the United States will cave,” Joseph said. “We will say we can live with a nuclear-armed North Korea, even if they have 200 or even 400 [nuclear weapons]. We've had 10 times that much. We can deter them.”

Joseph’s comments come amid a prolonged diplomatic stalemate, with North Korea repeatedly rejecting U.S. calls for dialogue on dismantling its nuclear arsenal. Despite longstanding commitments by both Seoul and Washington to achieving “complete denuclearisation,” Pyongyang has shown no signs of reversing its weapons program.

Referencing Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Joseph pointed to her recent statement ruling out denuclearisation talks, even while acknowledging that the personal rapport between Kim and President Donald Trump remains “not bad.” Her remarks suggest that while the regime is resistant to denuclearisation negotiations, it may still be open to some form of diplomatic engagement.

The Biden administration — and now Trump, as he positions himself for a potential return — has reiterated a willingness to resume talks if they lead toward full denuclearisation. But Pyongyang’s steadfast opposition continues to block progress.

Joseph also drew a parallel with the Iran nuclear issue, noting that some voices entering the Pentagon now believe the U.S. can live with a nuclear-capable Iran — a sentiment that mirrors the evolving stance on North Korea.

While U.S. officials have not formally shifted policy, Joseph’s comments underscore a growing debate within strategic and diplomatic circles: whether long-held goals of denuclearisation remain realistic, or whether a policy of containment and deterrence may eventually replace disarmament as the central strategy.