The European Union and Iran officials are set to meet in Brussels this week for talks on restarting negotiations over Iran’s nuclear deal. This comes after International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that Iran is once again expanding its Uranium enrichment program beyond the allowed limit.

Iran, EU to hold nuclear talks in Brussels this week

As Russia said the US should be more "active" to revive the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-calls-on-us-to-be-more-active-to-revive-iran-nuclear-deal-416020"> nuclear talks</a> with Iran, foreign minister &nbsp;Hossein Amirabdollahian added that talks would resume soon without setting a specific date.

Amirabdollahian added that Iran is looking into the Vienna negotiations while asserting that negotiations with four plus one&nbsp;countries are set to begin.

Although EU foreign policy head Josep Borrell expressed his optimism to revive the stalled nuclear talks, Amirabdollahian took a dig at the&nbsp;United States stating that President Biden should end sanctions imposed by the previous Trump administration.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-president-ebrahim-raisi-slams-us-presses-sanctions-to-be-lifted-414875">Also Read:&nbsp;Iran President Ebrahim Raisi slams US, presses sanctions to be lifted</a>

Amirabdollahian said Biden displayed "paradoxical behaviour" while keeping negotiations open and&nbsp;"simultaneously levying new sanctions".

Iran's foreign minister also brought up Soleimani's killing by the United States carried out at the behest of former President Trump.

Meanwhile, Russia said it hoped talks in Vienna will begin soon between Germany, UK, France, China, Russia and Iran which seeks to put the United States back in the 2015 nuclear deal after former President Trump had walked out of the deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-reaches-deal-with-iaea-allows-upgradation-of-surveillance-cameras-at-nuclear-sites-412572">Also Read:&nbsp;&nbsp;Iran allows upgradation of surveillance cameras at nuclear sites</a>

Russia pressed for sanctions to be lifted and the restoration of the nuclear deal even as the talks have been under suspension since June after President Ebrahim Raisi won the elections in Iran.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said earlier in the week that "mutual compliance" was "not indefinite".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/before-talks-irans-supreme-leader-says-predatory-wolf-biden-no-different-from-trump-409148">Also Read:&nbsp;Iran's supreme leader says 'predatory wolf' Biden no different from Trump &nbsp;</a>

Iran has insisted the US should lift sanctions against the country imposed by ex-President Trump, however, the Biden administration has says&nbsp;Iran should curb its nuclear programme which it had revived for the sanctions to be lifted.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies) 
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As Russia said the US should be more "active" to revive the nuclear talks with Iran, foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian added that talks would resume soon without setting a specific date.

As Russia said the US should be more "active" to revive the nuclear talks with Iran, foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian added that talks would resume soon without setting a specific date. Amirabdollahian added that Iran is looking into the Vienna negotiations while asserting that negotiations with four plus one countries are set to begin. Although EU foreign policy head Josep Borrell expressed his optimism to revive the stalled nuclear talks, Amirabdollahian took a dig at the United States stating that President Biden should end sanctions imposed by the previous Trump administration. Also Read: Iran President Ebrahim Raisi slams US, presses sanctions to be lifted Amirabdollahian said Biden displayed "paradoxical behaviour" while keeping negotiations open and "simultaneously levying new sanctions". Iran's foreign minister also brought up Soleimani's killing by the United States carried out at the behest of former President Trump. Meanwhile, Russia said it hoped talks in Vienna will begin soon between Germany, UK, France, China, Russia and Iran which seeks to put the United States back in the 2015 nuclear deal after former President Trump had walked out of the deal. Also Read: Iran allows upgradation of surveillance cameras at nuclear sites Russia pressed for sanctions to be lifted and the restoration of the nuclear deal even as the talks have been under suspension since June after President Ebrahim Raisi won the elections in Iran. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said earlier in the week that "mutual compliance" was "not indefinite". Also Read: Iran's supreme leader says 'predatory wolf' Biden no different from Trump Iran has insisted the US should lift sanctions against the country imposed by ex-President Trump, however, the Biden administration has says Iran should curb its nuclear programme which it had revived for the sanctions to be lifted. (With inputs from Agencies)

Iran says nuclear talks to resume soon amid sanctions row

Hardline Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi took the oath of office before parliament on Thursday, with the Islamic Republic's clerical rulers facing growing crises at home and abroad.

The mid-ranking Shia cleric formally started his four-year term on Tuesday when supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei endorsed his victory in the June election, when most prominent rivals were barred from standing.&nbsp;

At a difficult period, the former judicial chief, known for his mistrust of the West, assumes the reins. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-here-is-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-iranian-president-ebrahim-raisi-403178">In Pics | Here is all you need to know about the new Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi</a>

Iran's indirect discussions with the US to save the historic 2015 nuclear agreement have stagnated, as Washington maintains crushing sanctions and regional conflicts rage.

During his half-hour inaugural speech, Raisi stated that the sanctions must be lifted.&nbsp;

"I swear to safeguard the official religion and the establishment of the Islamic Republic and constitution of the nation," Raisi said in taking the oath at parliament

During the ceremony, honours were given to Qassem Soleimani, the senior Iranian commander who was killed by former US President Donald Trump in a targeted killing.&nbsp;

Raisi immediately demonstrated that he and the Supreme Leader are on the same page.

In addition, the next president has a large majority in parliament, allowing him to rapidly pass legislation that might lead to substantial changes in Iran's internal and international policy.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Hardline Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi took the oath of office before parliament on Thursday, with the Islamic Republic's clerical rulers facing growing crises at home and abroad.

Hardline Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi took the oath of office before parliament on Thursday, with the Islamic Republic's clerical rulers facing growing crises at home and abroad. The mid-ranking Shia cleric formally started his four-year term on Tuesday when supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei endorsed his victory in the June election, when most prominent rivals were barred from standing. At a difficult period, the former judicial chief, known for his mistrust of the West, assumes the reins. In Pics | Here is all you need to know about the new Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Iran's indirect discussions with the US to save the historic 2015 nuclear agreement have stagnated, as Washington maintains crushing sanctions and regional conflicts rage. During his half-hour inaugural speech, Raisi stated that the sanctions must be lifted. "I swear to safeguard the official religion and the establishment of the Islamic Republic and constitution of the nation," Raisi said in taking the oath at parliament During the ceremony, honours were given to Qassem Soleimani, the senior Iranian commander who was killed by former US President Donald Trump in a targeted killing. Raisi immediately demonstrated that he and the Supreme Leader are on the same page. In addition, the next president has a large majority in parliament, allowing him to rapidly pass legislation that might lead to substantial changes in Iran's internal and international policy. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran's hardline new president sworn in amid stalled nuclear talks

Iran's supreme leader on Wednesday declared Tehran would not accept Washington's "stubborn" demands in talks to revive a 2015 nuclear deal and said the United States had failed to guarantee that it would never abandon the pact again. 
 
"The Americans acted completely cowardly and maliciously," state TV quoted Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as saying. 
 
"They once violated the nuclear deal at no cost by exiting it. Now they explicitly say that they cannot give guarantees that it would not happen again." 
 
A US&nbsp;State Department spokesperson said in a statement that President Joe Biden`s administration "has been sincere and steadfast in pursuing a path of meaningful diplomacy to achieve a mutual return to compliance" with the agreement. 
 
Since April 9, Tehran and six world powers have been in talks to revive the nuclear pact ditched three years ago by then US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, who argued it favoured Iran. 
 
The sixth round of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington adjourned on June 20, two days after hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi was elected president of the Islamic Republic. Parties involved in the negotiations have yet to announce when the next round of negotiations will resume. 
 
The State Department spokesperson said the United States has made clear it is prepared to return to Vienna to resume negotiations. "We urge Iran to return to the negotiations soon so that we can seek to conclude this deal," the spokesperson said. 
 
Like Khamenei, Raisi has backed the revival of the nuclear pact but officials have said that his government might adopt "a hardline" approach. Khamenei, not the president, has the last say on Iran`s state matters, including the nuclear policy. 
 
Iranian and Western officials have said significant gaps remained to reinstate the deal, under which Iran agreed to curb its nuclear program to make it harder to obtain fissile material for a weapon in return for relief from tough sanctions. Iran says it has never sought nuclear weapons and never would. 
 
HARSH SANCTIONS 
 
Harsh sanctions reimposed by Trump since 2018 have prompted Tehran to violate the deal`s limits. However, Tehran says its nuclear steps are reversible if Washington lifts all sanctions. 
 
Biden seeks to reinstate and eventually broaden the pact to put more limits on Iran’s nuclear work and its missile development and constrain its regional activities. 
 
Khamenei again flatly rejected adding any other issues to the deal. 
 
"In the recent nuclear talks, the Americans staunchly insisted on their obstinate stance. When making promises and on paper they say they will remove sanctions, but in practice they have not and they will not," Khamenei said. 
 
Khamenei said Washington is "stubborn" and insists on adding a sentence to the existing nuclear deal. 
 
"By adding this sentence, they want to provide an excuse for their further interventions on the nuclear deal and (Iran`s) missile work and regional issues," Khamenei said. "Then if we refuse to discuss those issues, Americans will accuse Iran of violating the nuclear deal and they will say the agreement is over."

Iran's supreme leader on Wednesday declared Tehran would not accept Washington's "stubborn" demands in talks to revive a 2015 nuclear deal and said the United States had failed to guarantee that it would never abandon the pact again.

Iran's supreme leader on Wednesday declared Tehran would not accept Washington's "stubborn" demands in talks to revive a 2015 nuclear deal and said the United States had failed to guarantee that it would never abandon the pact again. "The Americans acted completely cowardly and maliciously," state TV quoted Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as saying. "They once violated the nuclear deal at no cost by exiting it. Now they explicitly say that they cannot give guarantees that it would not happen again." A US State Department spokesperson said in a statement that President Joe Biden`s administration "has been sincere and steadfast in pursuing a path of meaningful diplomacy to achieve a mutual return to compliance" with the agreement. Since April 9, Tehran and six world powers have been in talks to revive the nuclear pact ditched three years ago by then US President Donald Trump, who argued it favoured Iran. The sixth round of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington adjourned on June 20, two days after hardline cleric Ebrahim Raisi was elected president of the Islamic Republic. Parties involved in the negotiations have yet to announce when the next round of negotiations will resume. The State Department spokesperson said the United States has made clear it is prepared to return to Vienna to resume negotiations. "We urge Iran to return to the negotiations soon so that we can seek to conclude this deal," the spokesperson said. Like Khamenei, Raisi has backed the revival of the nuclear pact but officials have said that his government might adopt "a hardline" approach. Khamenei, not the president, has the last say on Iran`s state matters, including the nuclear policy. Iranian and Western officials have said significant gaps remained to reinstate the deal, under which Iran agreed to curb its nuclear program to make it harder to obtain fissile material for a weapon in return for relief from tough sanctions. Iran says it has never sought nuclear weapons and never would. HARSH SANCTIONS Harsh sanctions reimposed by Trump since 2018 have prompted Tehran to violate the deal`s limits. However, Tehran says its nuclear steps are reversible if Washington lifts all sanctions. Biden seeks to reinstate and eventually broaden the pact to put more limits on Iran’s nuclear work and its missile development and constrain its regional activities. Khamenei again flatly rejected adding any other issues to the deal. "In the recent nuclear talks, the Americans staunchly insisted on their obstinate stance. When making promises and on paper they say they will remove sanctions, but in practice they have not and they will not," Khamenei said. Khamenei said Washington is "stubborn" and insists on adding a sentence to the existing nuclear deal. "By adding this sentence, they want to provide an excuse for their further interventions on the nuclear deal and (Iran`s) missile work and regional issues," Khamenei said. "Then if we refuse to discuss those issues, Americans will accuse Iran of violating the nuclear deal and they will say the agreement is over."

Iran's Khamenei blames 'cowardly' United States for pause in nuclear talks

Iran is not prepared to resume negotiations on coming back into compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal until Iranian President-elect Ebrahim Raisi's administration has begun, a diplomatic source said on Wednesday. 
 
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Iran had conveyed this to European officials acting as interlocutors in the indirect US-Iranian negotiations and that the current thinking is the Vienna talks will not resume before mid-August. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ultraconservative-cleric-ebrahim-raisi-wins-irans-presidential-election-392598">WION | Ultraconservative cleric Ebrahim Raisi wins Iran's presidential election</a> 
 
"They are not prepared to come back before the new government," said the source, saying it was not clear whether this meant until Raisi formally takes over on Aug. 5 or until his government is in place. 
 
"We are now talking probably not before mid-August," added the source. 
 
Talks began in April on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, formally named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), but have appeared stuck since their sixth round ended on June 20, with no sign when they may resume. 
 
The agreement, which Democratic former President Barack Obama negotiated and Republican former President Donald Trump abandoned, struck a balance between Iran accepting limits to its nuclear program in return for relief from economic sanctions. 
 
The US&nbsp;State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on when the talks may resume.

Iran is not prepared to resume negotiations on coming back into compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal until Iranian President-elect Ebrahim Raisi's administration has begun, a diplomatic source said on Wednesday.

Iran is not prepared to resume negotiations on coming back into compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal until Iranian President-elect Ebrahim Raisi's administration has begun, a diplomatic source said on Wednesday. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Iran had conveyed this to European officials acting as interlocutors in the indirect US-Iranian negotiations and that the current thinking is the Vienna talks will not resume before mid-August. WION | Ultraconservative cleric Ebrahim Raisi wins Iran's presidential election "They are not prepared to come back before the new government," said the source, saying it was not clear whether this meant until Raisi formally takes over on Aug. 5 or until his government is in place. "We are now talking probably not before mid-August," added the source. Talks began in April on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, formally named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), but have appeared stuck since their sixth round ended on June 20, with no sign when they may resume. The agreement, which Democratic former President Barack Obama negotiated and Republican former President Donald Trump abandoned, struck a balance between Iran accepting limits to its nuclear program in return for relief from economic sanctions. The US State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on when the talks may resume.

Iran not ready for nuclear talks until President-elect Ebrahim Raisi takes over

The UN nuclear watchdog has voiced concern that Iran had not clarified queries over possible undeclared nuclear activity, adding that its enriched uranium stockpile was 16 times over the limit.

UN Nuclear watchdog concerned over undeclared Iran site

Just a day after talks for rescuing the troubled nuclear deal got underway, Iran on Saturday announced that it had started up advanced Uranium enrichment centrifuges in a breach of its undertakings in the very deal.

Iran President Hassan Rouhani officially inaugurated the cascades of 164 IR-6 centrifuges and 30 IR-5 devices at Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment plant in a ceremony broadcast by state television.

No images of the centrifuge cascades were aired on TV. However, engineers at the plant were seen talking that they had introduced uranium hexafluoride gas to the cascades after receiving the order from Rouhani.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-clash-over-sanctions-us-sees-possible-impasse-376570">US, Iran clash over sanctions; US sees possible 'impasse'&nbsp;</a>

Iran nuclear deal was struck by US and other world powers with Iran in 2015. Former US President Donald Trump unilaterally took US out of the accord in 2018.&nbsp;

Tuesday saw first round of talks with representatives of the remaining parties to the nuclear deal on bringing the United States back into the deal.

The Vienna talks are focused not only on lifting crippling economic sanctions Trump reimposed, but also on bringing Iran back into compliance after it responded by suspending several of its own commitments.

All sides said the talks, in which Washington is not participating directly but has the European Union as intermediary, had got off to a good start.

The IR-5 and IR-6 centrifuges allow uranium to be enriched more quickly and in greater amounts than the Iran's first generation devices, which are the only ones that the 2015 deal allows it to use.

Rouhani again underlined at the ceremony, which coincided with Iran's National Nuclear Technology Day, that Tehran's nuclear programme is solely for "peaceful" purposes.

(With AFP inputs)

Just a day after talks for rescuing the troubled nuclear deal got underway, Iran on Saturday announced that it had started up advanced Uranium enrichment centrifuges in a breach of its undertakings in the very deal.

Just a day after talks for rescuing the troubled nuclear deal got underway, Iran on Saturday announced that it had started up advanced Uranium enrichment centrifuges in a breach of its undertakings in the very deal. Iran President Hassan Rouhani officially inaugurated the cascades of 164 IR-6 centrifuges and 30 IR-5 devices at Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment plant in a ceremony broadcast by state television. No images of the centrifuge cascades were aired on TV. However, engineers at the plant were seen talking that they had introduced uranium hexafluoride gas to the cascades after receiving the order from Rouhani. Also Read | US, Iran clash over sanctions; US sees possible 'impasse' Iran nuclear deal was struck by US and other world powers with Iran in 2015. Former US President Donald Trump unilaterally took US out of the accord in 2018. Tuesday saw first round of talks with representatives of the remaining parties to the nuclear deal on bringing the United States back into the deal. The Vienna talks are focused not only on lifting crippling economic sanctions Trump reimposed, but also on bringing Iran back into compliance after it responded by suspending several of its own commitments. All sides said the talks, in which Washington is not participating directly but has the European Union as intermediary, had got off to a good start. The IR-5 and IR-6 centrifuges allow uranium to be enriched more quickly and in greater amounts than the Iran's first generation devices, which are the only ones that the 2015 deal allows it to use. Rouhani again underlined at the ceremony, which coincided with Iran's National Nuclear Technology Day, that Tehran's nuclear programme is solely for "peaceful" purposes. (With AFP inputs)

Iran starts advanced centrifuges a day after nuclear deal talks

Iran and the United States have held indirect talks in Vienna to revive the embattled 2015 Nuclear deal. The officials from the five world powers also conducted the delicate diplomacy in Vienna.

US & Iran hold indirect talks in Vienna on reviving nuclear deal

Iran has given encouraging signs about opening informal talks with world powers and the United States after European powers scrapped plans to criticise Tehran at the UN nuclear watchdog.

Iran gives positive signals on informal nuclear talks

Iran flatly dismissed a call by Saudi Arabia for Gulf states to be consulted on any potential negotiations with the Islamic republic on its nuclear programme.

Iran dismisses Saudi's call for inclusion in nuclear talks

North Korean leader&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-calls-for-positive-offensive-measures-to-ensure-safety-270976">Kim&nbsp;Jong&nbsp;Un</a>&nbsp;called for "positive and offensive&nbsp;measures" to ensure the country's&nbsp;security&nbsp;before a year-end&nbsp;deadline&nbsp;he has set for denuclearization&nbsp;talks&nbsp;with the&nbsp;United States, state media KCNA said on Monday.

Kim&nbsp;convened a weekend meeting of top Workers' Party officials to discuss policy matters amid rising tension over his&nbsp;deadline&nbsp;for Washington to soften its stance in stalled negotiations aimed at dismantling Pyongyang's&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;and missile programs.

At a Sunday session,&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;suggested action in the areas of foreign affairs, the munitions industry, and armed forces, stressing the need to take "positive and offensive&nbsp;measures&nbsp;for fully ensuring the sovereignty and&nbsp;security&nbsp;of the country," KCNA said, without elaborating.

The meeting was the largest plenary session of the party's 7th Central Committee since its first gathering in 2013&nbsp;under&nbsp;Kim, according to Seoul's&nbsp;Unification Ministry handling inter-Korean affairs.

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&nbsp;

The key policymaking organ drew several hundred attendees, state television showed on Monday. The committee also met in 2018 and in April but on a much smaller scale.

"By&nbsp;'positive&nbsp;and offensive&nbsp;measures,' they might mean highly provocative action against the&nbsp;United States and also South Korea," said Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the&nbsp;University of North Korean studies in Seoul.

KCNA said the meeting was still&nbsp;underway. It was the first time the gathering had lasted more than one day since&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;took power in late 2011, ministry spokesman Lee Sang-min told a regular briefing.

The&nbsp;United States was watching the end-of-year meeting closely and hoped North Korea would choose peace over confrontation, Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/mike-pompeo-attempts-us-reset-in-the-middle-east-191020">Mike Pompeo</a> said on Monday.

"We still maintain our view that we can find a path forward to convince the leadership in North Korea that their best course of action is to create a better opportunity for their people by getting rid of their&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons," Pompeo told Fox News.

North Korea has urged Washington to offer a new approach to resume negotiations, warning that it may take an&nbsp;unspecified "new path" if the&nbsp;United States fails to meet its expectations.

US&nbsp;military commanders said the move could include the testing of a long-range missile, which North Korea has suspended since 2017, along with&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;warhead tests.

Washington would be "extraordinarily disappointed" if North Korea tests a long-range or&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;missile, White House national&nbsp;security&nbsp;adviser Robert O'Brien said on Sunday, vowing to take appropriate action as a leading military and economic power.

The&nbsp;United States had opened channels of communication with North Korea and hoped&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;would follow through on denuclearization commitments he made at summits with US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trumps-attitude-towards-india-unpredictable-unreliable-238560">Donald Trump</a>, O'Brien said.

A video released by the US&nbsp;Air Force and reviewed by Reuters on Monday showed a simulation of an Aegis destroyer spotting what appeared to be a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile being fired towards the Pacific over the skies of Japan, prompting the launch of ground interceptor missiles.

The 65-second clip was dated September and released on December&nbsp;2 on the website of the US&nbsp;Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.

A South Korean military source said while it was largely a regular promotional video, its release coincided with heightened tensions amid a recent series of North Korean weapons tests and a war of words between Pyongyang and Washington.

<img alt="Kim Jong Un" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9edaaf7d-8f50-4620-9c68-372e2ce5f241" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2813%29_1.jpg" />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

North Korea's economy seemed to be another key item on the agenda for the second-day session, Yang said, with the economy hit by international sanctions over its weapons programs.

KCNA said&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;discussed state management and economic issues in line with his campaign to build an "independent economy."

Kim&nbsp;"presented the tasks for urgently correcting the grave situation of the major industrial sectors of the national economy," KCNA said.

In New York, US&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council members were scheduled to hold an informal meeting on Monday to contemplate a Russian and Chinese proposal to ease sanctions on North Korea.

Russia and China proposed a draft UN&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council resolution this month that would lift some sanctions in a bid to kick-start the denuclearization&nbsp;talks.

Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the proposal was aimed at promoting the&nbsp;talks&nbsp;process and to "satisfy reasonable humanitarian and livelihood requirements" from North Korea.

"China hopes that when it comes to the peninsula issue,&nbsp;Security&nbsp;Council members can assume their responsibilities and take proactive steps to support a political resolution," he told a daily news briefing.

The move is seen as an attempt to create a crack in a US-led global campaign to pressure North Korea to give up its weapons programmes amid lackluster progress in the negotiations.

Sanctions on industries that earned North Korea hundreds of millions of dollars a year were imposed in 2016 and 2017 to cut off funding for Pyongyang's weapons programs.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for "positive and offensive measures" to ensure the country's security before a year-end deadline he has set for denuclearization talks with the United States, state media KCNA said on Monday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for "positive and offensive measures" to ensure the country's security before a year-end deadline he has set for denuclearization talks with the United States, state media KCNA said on Monday. Kim convened a weekend meeting of top Workers' Party officials to discuss policy matters amid rising tension over his deadline for Washington to soften its stance in stalled negotiations aimed at dismantling Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs. At a Sunday session, Kim suggested action in the areas of foreign affairs, the munitions industry, and armed forces, stressing the need to take "positive and offensive measures for fully ensuring the sovereignty and security of the country," KCNA said, without elaborating. The meeting was the largest plenary session of the party's 7th Central Committee since its first gathering in 2013 under Kim, according to Seoul's Unification Ministry handling inter-Korean affairs. The key policymaking organ drew several hundred attendees, state television showed on Monday. The committee also met in 2018 and in April but on a much smaller scale. "By 'positive and offensive measures,' they might mean highly provocative action against the United States and also South Korea," said Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean studies in Seoul. KCNA said the meeting was still underway. It was the first time the gathering had lasted more than one day since Kim took power in late 2011, ministry spokesman Lee Sang-min told a regular briefing. The United States was watching the end-of-year meeting closely and hoped North Korea would choose peace over confrontation, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday. "We still maintain our view that we can find a path forward to convince the leadership in North Korea that their best course of action is to create a better opportunity for their people by getting rid of their nuclear weapons," Pompeo told Fox News. North Korea has urged Washington to offer a new approach to resume negotiations, warning that it may take an unspecified "new path" if the United States fails to meet its expectations. US military commanders said the move could include the testing of a long-range missile, which North Korea has suspended since 2017, along with nuclear warhead tests. Washington would be "extraordinarily disappointed" if North Korea tests a long-range or nuclear missile, White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said on Sunday, vowing to take appropriate action as a leading military and economic power. The United States had opened channels of communication with North Korea and hoped Kim would follow through on denuclearization commitments he made at summits with US President Donald Trump, O'Brien said. A video released by the US Air Force and reviewed by Reuters on Monday showed a simulation of an Aegis destroyer spotting what appeared to be a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile being fired towards the Pacific over the skies of Japan, prompting the launch of ground interceptor missiles. The 65-second clip was dated September and released on December 2 on the website of the US Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. A South Korean military source said while it was largely a regular promotional video, its release coincided with heightened tensions amid a recent series of North Korean weapons tests and a war of words between Pyongyang and Washington. North Korea's economy seemed to be another key item on the agenda for the second-day session, Yang said, with the economy hit by international sanctions over its weapons programs. KCNA said Kim discussed state management and economic issues in line with his campaign to build an "independent economy." Kim "presented the tasks for urgently correcting the grave situation of the major industrial sectors of the national economy," KCNA said. In New York, US Security Council members were scheduled to hold an informal meeting on Monday to contemplate a Russian and Chinese proposal to ease sanctions on North Korea. Russia and China proposed a draft UN Security Council resolution this month that would lift some sanctions in a bid to kick-start the denuclearization talks. Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the proposal was aimed at promoting the talks process and to "satisfy reasonable humanitarian and livelihood requirements" from North Korea. "China hopes that when it comes to the peninsula issue, Security Council members can assume their responsibilities and take proactive steps to support a political resolution," he told a daily news briefing. The move is seen as an attempt to create a crack in a US-led global campaign to pressure North Korea to give up its weapons programmes amid lackluster progress in the negotiations. Sanctions on industries that earned North Korea hundreds of millions of dollars a year were imposed in 2016 and 2017 to cut off funding for Pyongyang's weapons programs.

Kim Jong Un urges 'positive and offensive' security measures ahead of nuclear talks deadline

North Korea has conducted a "very important test" at its Sohae satellite launch site, state media reported Sunday, as nuclear <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/talks-with-us-on-denuclearisation-off-the-negotiating-table-north-korean-envoy-266872">negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington</a> remain deadlocked.

"A very important test was carried out at the Sohae Satellite Launch Site on December 7th, 2019," a spokesman for the North's National Academy of Science said.

The result of the latest test will have an "important effect" on changing the "strategic status" of North Korea, the spokesman said in a statement carried by the KCNA news agency.

The statement did not provide further details on the test.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had agreed to shutter the Sohae site during a summit last year with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Pyongyang as part of trust-building measures.

Kim has also held three meetings with US President Donald Trump since June 2018 but little progress has been made in efforts towards denuclearisation.

The latest test comes as Pyongyang is ramping up pressure ahead of its end-of-year deadline for the US to propose a new offer to kickstart stalled nuclear talks.

On Thursday, the North's vice foreign minister warned of returning to a war of words with the US, threatening to resume referring to Trump as a "dotard" -- Pyongyang's nickname for the US leader at the height of tensions in 2017.

The comments came a day after it warned that if the US used military force against the North it would take "prompt corresponding actions at any level".

At the recent NATO summit, Trump boasted about Washington's "most powerful military", adding: "Hopefully, we don't have to use it, but if we do, we'll use it. If we have to, we'll do it."

North Korea has conducted a "very important test" at its Sohae satellite launch site, state media reported Sunday, as nuclear negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington remain deadlocked.

North Korea has conducted a "very important test" at its Sohae satellite launch site, state media reported Sunday, as nuclear negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington remain deadlocked. "A very important test was carried out at the Sohae Satellite Launch Site on December 7th, 2019," a spokesman for the North's National Academy of Science said. The result of the latest test will have an "important effect" on changing the "strategic status" of North Korea, the spokesman said in a statement carried by the KCNA news agency. The statement did not provide further details on the test. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had agreed to shutter the Sohae site during a summit last year with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Pyongyang as part of trust-building measures. Kim has also held three meetings with US President Donald Trump since June 2018 but little progress has been made in efforts towards denuclearisation. The latest test comes as Pyongyang is ramping up pressure ahead of its end-of-year deadline for the US to propose a new offer to kickstart stalled nuclear talks. On Thursday, the North's vice foreign minister warned of returning to a war of words with the US, threatening to resume referring to Trump as a "dotard" -- Pyongyang's nickname for the US leader at the height of tensions in 2017. The comments came a day after it warned that if the US used military force against the North it would take "prompt corresponding actions at any level". At the recent NATO summit, Trump boasted about Washington's "most powerful military", adding: "Hopefully, we don't have to use it, but if we do, we'll use it. If we have to, we'll do it."

North Korea conducts 'very significant' test, as nuclear talks with the US remain deadlocked

North Korea has conducted a "very important test" at its Sohae satellite launch site, state media reported Sunday, as nuclear negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington remain deadlocked.

"A very important test was carried out at the Sohae Satellite Launch Site on December 7th, 2019," a spokesman for the North's National Academy of Science said.

The result of the latest test will have an "important effect" on changing the "strategic status" of North Korea, the spokesman said in a statement carried by the KCNA news agency.

The statement did not provide further details on the test.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had agreed to shutter the Sohae site during a summit last year with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Pyongyang as part of trust-building measures.

Kim has also held three meetings with US President Donald Trump since June 2018 but little progress has been made in efforts towards denuclearisation.

The latest test comes as Pyongyang is ramping up pressure ahead of its end-of-year deadline for the US to propose a new offer to kickstart stalled nuclear talks.

On Thursday, the North's vice foreign minister warned of returning to a war of words with the US, threatening to resume referring to Trump as a "dotard" -- Pyongyang's nickname for the US leader at the height of tensions in 2017.

The comments came a day after it warned that if the US used military force against the North it would take "prompt corresponding actions at any level".

At the recent NATO summit, Trump boasted about Washington's "most powerful military", adding: "Hopefully, we don't have to use it, but if we do, we'll use it. If we have to, we'll do it."

North Korea conducts 'very significant' test, as nuclear talks with the US remain deadlocked.....

Working-level nuclear talks in Sweden <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-would-not-give-up-old-attitude-says-north-korea-as-nuclear-talks-end-in-contrasting-assessments-253998">between officials from Pyongyang and Washington</a> have broken off, North Korea's top negotiator said late on Saturday, dashing prospects for an end to months of stalemate.

The talks, at an isolated conference centre on the outskirts of Stockholm, were the first such formal discussion since US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met in June and agreed to restart negotiations that stalled after a failed summit in Vietnam in February.

The North's chief nuclear negotiator, Kim Myong Gil, who spent much of the day in talks with an American delegation, cast the blame on what he portrayed as US&nbsp;inflexibility, saying the other side's negotiators would not "give up their old viewpoint and attitude."

"The negotiations have not fulfilled our expectation and finally broke off," Kim told reporters outside the North Korean embassy, speaking through an interpreter.

The US&nbsp;State Department said Kim's comments did not reflect "the content or spirit" of more than 8-1/2 hours of talks, and Washington had accepted Sweden's invitation to return for more discussions with Pyongyang in two weeks.

"The US&nbsp;brought creative ideas and had good discussions with its DPRK counterparts," spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. North Korea is also known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

She said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-united-states-officials-to-resume-nuclear-talks-after-latest-missile-test-253916">US&nbsp;delegation had previewed a number of new initiatives</a> that would pave the way for progress in the talks, and underscored the importance of more intensive engagement.

"The United States and the DPRK will not overcome a legacy of 70 years of war and hostility on the Korean peninsula through the course of a single Saturday," she added.

"These are weighty issues, and they require a strong commitment by both countries. The United States has that commitment."

North Korea's Kim downplayed US&nbsp;gestures.

"The US&nbsp;raised expectations by offering suggestions like a flexible approach, new method and creative solutions, but they have disappointed us greatly and dampened our enthusiasm for negotiation by bringing nothing to the negotiation table," he said.

Swedish broadcaster TV4 said the US&nbsp;Special Representative for North Korea, Stephen Biegun, who led the team, had arrived back at the US&nbsp;embassy in central Stockholm.

The Swedish foreign office declined to give details on the invitation for new talks, or whether Pyongyang had accepted.

Since June, US&nbsp;officials had struggled to persuade North Korea, which is under sanctions banning much of its trade, due to its nuclear programme, to return to the table, but that appeared to change this week when the North abruptly announced it had agreed to talks.

On Saturday, negotiator Kim accused the United States of having no intention of solving difficulties through dialogue but said a complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula was still possible.

It would only happen "when all the obstacles that threaten our safety and check our development are removed completely without a shadow of a doubt," he said, in an apparent reference to North Korea's desire for Washington to ease economic pressure.

On Sunday, China's President Xi Jinping and the North's leader exchanged messages to reaffirm the neighbours' relationship on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. China is the North's only major ally.

Xi, who has met Kim five times in the past year, said they had "reached a series of important consensuses, leading China-North Korea relations into a new historical era", the official Xinhua news agency said.

Kim replied the two leaders would "resolutely safeguard the peace and stability of the Korean peninsula and the world," Xinhua reported.

Tensions

The delegation from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-north-korea-talks-going-ahead-despite-missile-test-253573">North Korea arrived in Sweden on Thursday</a>. Analysts have said both countries' leaders had growing incentives to reach a deal, but it was unclear if common ground could be found after months of tension and deadlock.

The readout from the talks did not sound very promising, said Jenny Town, a managing editor at 38 North, a Washington-based North Korea project.

"I think (North Korea's) expectations were too high that the removal of Bolton would provide more flexibility on what the US&nbsp;wants as initial steps," she said, referring to Trump's hardline former aide John Bolton, abruptly fired last month amid disagreements on how to tackle foreign policy challenges.

"While certainly&nbsp;it removes some pressure for an all or nothing deal, it seems the gap between what the two sides want as a baseline and are willing to reciprocate still has not narrowed," Town added.

An official at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-launches-missiles-ahead-of-nuclear-talks-253157">South Korea's presidential office said the talks in Sweden were nevertheless the beginning of negotiations</a>, and that South Korea hoped the United States and North Korea would keep the momentum of the dialogue.

Only a day after announcing the new talks, North Korea said it had test-fired a new ballistic missile designed for submarine launch, underscoring the need for Washington to move quickly to negotiate limits on Pyongyang's growing arsenal.

Speaking in Athens on a tour of southern Europe while the talks were still underway, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said he was hopeful of progress.

"We are mindful this will be the first time that we've had a chance to have a discussion in quite some time and that there remains to be a lot of work that will have to be done by the two teams," he told a news conference.

Working-level nuclear talks in Sweden between officials from Pyongyang and Washington have broken off, North Korea's top negotiator said late on Saturday, dashing prospects for an end to months of stalemate.

Working-level nuclear talks in Sweden between officials from Pyongyang and Washington have broken off, North Korea's top negotiator said late on Saturday, dashing prospects for an end to months of stalemate. The talks, at an isolated conference centre on the outskirts of Stockholm, were the first such formal discussion since US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met in June and agreed to restart negotiations that stalled after a failed summit in Vietnam in February. The North's chief nuclear negotiator, Kim Myong Gil, who spent much of the day in talks with an American delegation, cast the blame on what he portrayed as US inflexibility, saying the other side's negotiators would not "give up their old viewpoint and attitude." "The negotiations have not fulfilled our expectation and finally broke off," Kim told reporters outside the North Korean embassy, speaking through an interpreter. The US State Department said Kim's comments did not reflect "the content or spirit" of more than 8-1/2 hours of talks, and Washington had accepted Sweden's invitation to return for more discussions with Pyongyang in two weeks. "The US brought creative ideas and had good discussions with its DPRK counterparts," spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. North Korea is also known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). She said the US delegation had previewed a number of new initiatives that would pave the way for progress in the talks, and underscored the importance of more intensive engagement. "The United States and the DPRK will not overcome a legacy of 70 years of war and hostility on the Korean peninsula through the course of a single Saturday," she added. "These are weighty issues, and they require a strong commitment by both countries. The United States has that commitment." North Korea's Kim downplayed US gestures. "The US raised expectations by offering suggestions like a flexible approach, new method and creative solutions, but they have disappointed us greatly and dampened our enthusiasm for negotiation by bringing nothing to the negotiation table," he said. Swedish broadcaster TV4 said the US Special Representative for North Korea, Stephen Biegun, who led the team, had arrived back at the US embassy in central Stockholm. The Swedish foreign office declined to give details on the invitation for new talks, or whether Pyongyang had accepted. Since June, US officials had struggled to persuade North Korea, which is under sanctions banning much of its trade, due to its nuclear programme, to return to the table, but that appeared to change this week when the North abruptly announced it had agreed to talks. On Saturday, negotiator Kim accused the United States of having no intention of solving difficulties through dialogue but said a complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula was still possible. It would only happen "when all the obstacles that threaten our safety and check our development are removed completely without a shadow of a doubt," he said, in an apparent reference to North Korea's desire for Washington to ease economic pressure. On Sunday, China's President Xi Jinping and the North's leader exchanged messages to reaffirm the neighbours' relationship on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. China is the North's only major ally. Xi, who has met Kim five times in the past year, said they had "reached a series of important consensuses, leading China-North Korea relations into a new historical era", the official Xinhua news agency said. Kim replied the two leaders would "resolutely safeguard the peace and stability of the Korean peninsula and the world," Xinhua reported. Tensions The delegation from North Korea arrived in Sweden on Thursday. Analysts have said both countries' leaders had growing incentives to reach a deal, but it was unclear if common ground could be found after months of tension and deadlock. The readout from the talks did not sound very promising, said Jenny Town, a managing editor at 38 North, a Washington-based North Korea project. "I think (North Korea's) expectations were too high that the removal of Bolton would provide more flexibility on what the US wants as initial steps," she said, referring to Trump's hardline former aide John Bolton, abruptly fired last month amid disagreements on how to tackle foreign policy challenges. "While certainly it removes some pressure for an all or nothing deal, it seems the gap between what the two sides want as a baseline and are willing to reciprocate still has not narrowed," Town added. An official at South Korea's presidential office said the talks in Sweden were nevertheless the beginning of negotiations, and that South Korea hoped the United States and North Korea would keep the momentum of the dialogue. Only a day after announcing the new talks, North Korea said it had test-fired a new ballistic missile designed for submarine launch, underscoring the need for Washington to move quickly to negotiate limits on Pyongyang's growing arsenal. Speaking in Athens on a tour of southern Europe while the talks were still underway, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said he was hopeful of progress. "We are mindful this will be the first time that we've had a chance to have a discussion in quite some time and that there remains to be a lot of work that will have to be done by the two teams," he told a news conference.

North Korea breaks off nuclear talks with United States in Sweden

North Korea and the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-asks-what-a-third-north-korean-summit-would-yield-251755"> United States </a>will hold working-level nuclear talks on Saturday, Pyongyang said, signalling the resumption of a dialogue process that has been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-doubts-prospects-for-future-summit-with-united-states-252322">effectively stalled</a> since the collapse of a summit in February.

The two sides agreed to have "preliminary contact" on October 4 and hold working-level negotiations the following day, the North's vice foreign minister Choe Son Hui said in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency.

"It is my expectation that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/talks-between-us-north-korea-may-resume-in-2-3-weeks-251650">working-level negotiations</a> would accelerate the positive development of the DPRK-US relations," she added without disclosing the talks' venue.&nbsp;

North Korean officials were "ready" to enter the discussions, she said. There was no immediate confirmation from the American side.

Negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington have been gridlocked since a second summit between North Korea's Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump in February ended without a deal.

The two agreed to restart working-level dialogue during an impromptu meeting at the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two Koreas in June, but the North's anger at a US refusal to cancel joint military deals with South Korea placed the process on hold.

Relations thawed last month after Trump fired his hawkish national security advisor John Bolton, who Pyongyang had repeatedly denounced as a warmonger.

North Korea's chief negotiator also responded positively to Trump's suggestion that the two sides try a "new method" of approaching their discussions.

Trump had criticised Bolton's suggestion of the "Libyan model" for North Korea, a reference to a denuclearisation deal with the African nation's former dictator Moamer Kadhafi -- who was killed after being deposed in 2011.

Pyongyang had bristled at that comment, which Trump said had "set us back very badly".

Despite the gridlock, Pyongyang has continued to praise Trump, calling him "bold" and "wise".&nbsp;

Consensus reached?

Analysts say Bolton's dismissal from the White House could have helped Pyongyang's decision to come to the table. &nbsp;

South Korea's presidential Blue House welcomed the resumption of dialogue between the North and the US.

"We hope to see the realisation of practical steps towards permanent peace regime and complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula through the upcoming talks," said spokeswoman Ko Min-jung. &nbsp;

The announcement on the new talks could be an "indication" that the two sides have narrowed their differences behind the scenes, said Koh Yu-hwan, professor of North Korean studies at Dongguk University in Seoul.&nbsp;

"The North has demanded security guarantee in return for denuclearisation measures and called on the US to come up with 'new calculation', he said.&nbsp;

"Consensus between the two might have been reached regarding the matter in the lead-up to the Tuesday announcement," he added.&nbsp;

North Korea and the United States will hold working-level nuclear talks on Saturday, Pyongyang said, signalling the resumption of a dialogue process that has been effectively stalled since the collapse of a summit in February.

North Korea and the United States will hold working-level nuclear talks on Saturday, Pyongyang said, signalling the resumption of a dialogue process that has been effectively stalled since the collapse of a summit in February. The two sides agreed to have "preliminary contact" on October 4 and hold working-level negotiations the following day, the North's vice foreign minister Choe Son Hui said in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency. "It is my expectation that the working-level negotiations would accelerate the positive development of the DPRK-US relations," she added without disclosing the talks' venue. North Korean officials were "ready" to enter the discussions, she said. There was no immediate confirmation from the American side. Negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington have been gridlocked since a second summit between North Korea's Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump in February ended without a deal. The two agreed to restart working-level dialogue during an impromptu meeting at the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two Koreas in June, but the North's anger at a US refusal to cancel joint military deals with South Korea placed the process on hold. Relations thawed last month after Trump fired his hawkish national security advisor John Bolton, who Pyongyang had repeatedly denounced as a warmonger. North Korea's chief negotiator also responded positively to Trump's suggestion that the two sides try a "new method" of approaching their discussions. Trump had criticised Bolton's suggestion of the "Libyan model" for North Korea, a reference to a denuclearisation deal with the African nation's former dictator Moamer Kadhafi -- who was killed after being deposed in 2011. Pyongyang had bristled at that comment, which Trump said had "set us back very badly". Despite the gridlock, Pyongyang has continued to praise Trump, calling him "bold" and "wise". Consensus reached? Analysts say Bolton's dismissal from the White House could have helped Pyongyang's decision to come to the table. South Korea's presidential Blue House welcomed the resumption of dialogue between the North and the US. "We hope to see the realisation of practical steps towards permanent peace regime and complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula through the upcoming talks," said spokeswoman Ko Min-jung. The announcement on the new talks could be an "indication" that the two sides have narrowed their differences behind the scenes, said Koh Yu-hwan, professor of North Korean studies at Dongguk University in Seoul. "The North has demanded security guarantee in return for denuclearisation measures and called on the US to come up with 'new calculation', he said. "Consensus between the two might have been reached regarding the matter in the lead-up to the Tuesday announcement," he added.

Will hold nuclear talks with US on October 5: North Korea

The United States is ready to sit down with North Korea to resume long-awaited working-level nuclear talks, a US envoy said Wednesday. Nuclear discussions between Washington and Pyongyang have stalled since a second summit in Hanoi in February ended without an agreement over differences on the extent of denuclearisation and a sanctions relief in return.

The United States is ready to sit down with North Korea to resume long-awaited working-level nuclear talks, a US envoy said Wednesday. Nuclear discussions between Washington and Pyongyang have stalled since a second summit in Hanoi in February ended without an agreement over differences on the extent of denuclearisation and a sanctions relief in return. But anticipation for renewed dialogue has been on the rise after the US and its security ally South Korea wrapped up their two-week joint military drill on Tuesday. "We are prepared to engage as soon as we hear from our counterparts in North Korea," said Stephen Biegun, the US special representative for North Korea, after his meeting with South Korean counterpart Lee Do-hoon in Seoul. The comments come amid speculation that Americans could meet with North Koreans at the demilitarised zone dividing the North and South to kick start working-level talks during Biegun's three-day stay in Seoul, which began Tuesday. The US envoy denied media reports he would soon take a diplomatic posting in Russia, saying he remained "focused on making progress" with North Koreans and "fully committed" to the goal of the denuclearisation in the North. Pyongyang considers the joint military exercise by the allies a rehearsal for invasion and has routinely expressed anger at the war games. It called South Korean President Moon Jae-in last week an "impudent guy rare to be found" for hoping to resume inter-Korean talks while continuing military drills with the US. Washington stations nearly 30,000 troops in the South to defend it from its neighbour. US President Donald Trump tweeted earlier this month North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed his hope -- in a letter hand-delivered to him -- for resuming dialogue "as soon as the joint U.S./South Korea joint exercise are over".

US 'prepared to engage' with North Korea in nuclear talks: Envoy

North Korea fired two short-range missiles early on Thursday from its eastern coast, South Korea's military said, the first missile test since leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks.

The missiles launched from near Wonsan flew about 430 km (267 miles) and reached an altitude of 50 km (30 miles) before falling into the East Sea, an official at South Korea's defence ministry told Reuters.

Japan's Kyodo News said, citing an unnamed government source, that the missiles did not reach Japan's exclusive economic zone and had no impact on Japan's national security.

The firing of ballistic missiles would cast new doubts on efforts to restart denuclearisation talks after Trump and Kim met at the demilitarised zone (DMZ) at the end of June.

The White House, Pentagon and U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

A senior US&nbsp;administration official said: “We are aware of reports of a short-range projectile launched from North Korea. We have no further comment.”

Trump’s national security adviser John Bolton, who has taken a hardline towards North Korea, made no mention of the launches in a tweet on Thursday morning after a visit to South Korea, referring only to “productive meetings” with South Korean officials on regional security and building a stronger alliance.

The United States and North Korea vowed to soon hold new rounds of working-level talks, but Pyongyang has since sharply criticised upcoming joint military drills by US&nbsp;and South Korean troops.

North Korea's Foreign Ministry said earlier this month that Washington's pattern of "unilaterally reneging on its commitments" by holding military exercises with South Korea was leading Pyongyang to reconsider its own commitments to discontinue tests of nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles.

“North Korea is clearly upset that the U.S. and South Korea are conducting joint military exercises," said Harry Kazianis of Washington's Centre for the National Interest.

"We should not be shocked by this move and, in fact, we should have seen it coming.”

North Korea's last weapons testing in May included short-range missiles as well as smaller rockets. At the time, Kim oversaw the first flight of a previously untested weapon - a relatively small, fast missile that experts believe will be easier to hide, launch and manoeuvre in flight.

On Tuesday, state news agency KCNA reported that Kim inspected a large, newly built submarine, accompanied by missile programme leaders. It potentially signalled continued development of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) programme.

Denuclearisation talks between North Korea and the United States have stalled after a second summit between Trump and Kim in Vietnam in February broke down.

Trump has repeatedly stressed his good relationship with Kim and is keen for a big foreign policy win as he campaigns for re-election in 2020.

When Trump and Kim met last month he said they had agreed to resume working-level talks stalled since their failed summit in Hanoi in February.

On Monday, Trump stressed North Korea's freeze in testing of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles, which has been in place since 2017, and positive recent exchanges.

"There was a little correspondence recently,” he said. “We had very positive correspondence with North Korea. Again there's no nuclear testing, there's no missile testing, there's no nothing.”

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last week said the State Department had "a number of conversations with the North Koreans" and he hoped the talks with North Korea would begin soon.

North Korea fired two short-range missiles early on Thursday from its eastern coast, South Korea's military said, the first missile test since leader Kim Jong Un and U.

North Korea fired two short-range missiles early on Thursday from its eastern coast, South Korea's military said, the first missile test since leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks. The missiles launched from near Wonsan flew about 430 km (267 miles) and reached an altitude of 50 km (30 miles) before falling into the East Sea, an official at South Korea's defence ministry told Reuters. Japan's Kyodo News said, citing an unnamed government source, that the missiles did not reach Japan's exclusive economic zone and had no impact on Japan's national security. The firing of ballistic missiles would cast new doubts on efforts to restart denuclearisation talks after Trump and Kim met at the demilitarised zone (DMZ) at the end of June. The White House, Pentagon and U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A senior US administration official said: “We are aware of reports of a short-range projectile launched from North Korea. We have no further comment.” Trump’s national security adviser John Bolton, who has taken a hardline towards North Korea, made no mention of the launches in a tweet on Thursday morning after a visit to South Korea, referring only to “productive meetings” with South Korean officials on regional security and building a stronger alliance. The United States and North Korea vowed to soon hold new rounds of working-level talks, but Pyongyang has since sharply criticised upcoming joint military drills by US and South Korean troops. North Korea's Foreign Ministry said earlier this month that Washington's pattern of "unilaterally reneging on its commitments" by holding military exercises with South Korea was leading Pyongyang to reconsider its own commitments to discontinue tests of nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles. “North Korea is clearly upset that the U.S. and South Korea are conducting joint military exercises," said Harry Kazianis of Washington's Centre for the National Interest. "We should not be shocked by this move and, in fact, we should have seen it coming.” North Korea's last weapons testing in May included short-range missiles as well as smaller rockets. At the time, Kim oversaw the first flight of a previously untested weapon - a relatively small, fast missile that experts believe will be easier to hide, launch and manoeuvre in flight. On Tuesday, state news agency KCNA reported that Kim inspected a large, newly built submarine, accompanied by missile programme leaders. It potentially signalled continued development of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) programme. Denuclearisation talks between North Korea and the United States have stalled after a second summit between Trump and Kim in Vietnam in February broke down. Trump has repeatedly stressed his good relationship with Kim and is keen for a big foreign policy win as he campaigns for re-election in 2020. When Trump and Kim met last month he said they had agreed to resume working-level talks stalled since their failed summit in Hanoi in February. On Monday, Trump stressed North Korea's freeze in testing of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles, which has been in place since 2017, and positive recent exchanges. "There was a little correspondence recently,” he said. “We had very positive correspondence with North Korea. Again there's no nuclear testing, there's no missile testing, there's no nothing.” US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last week said the State Department had "a number of conversations with the North Koreans" and he hoped the talks with North Korea would begin soon.

North Korea fires missiles into sea, says South Korea, nuclear talks in doubt

Talks on getting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-hopes-us-north-korea-can-be-more-creative-in-nuclear-talks-236358">North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons</a> are at risk because the United States looks set to break a promise not to hold military exercises with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-acquisition-of-us-f-35-fighter-aimed-at-opening-gate-to-invade-north-north-korea-state-media-234830">South Korea</a>, North Korea said on Tuesday.

US President Donald Trump revitalised efforts to persuade the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/north-korea-remembers-kim-il-sung-on-25-death-anniversary-233997">North</a> to give up its nuclear weapons last month when he arranged a spur-of-the-moment meeting with North Korea`s Kim Jong Un on the border between the two Koreas.

Trump said they had agreed to resume so-called working-level talks, stalled since their second summit in February collapsed. The negotiations are expected in the coming weeks.

But a North Korean foreign ministry spokesman cast doubt on that, saying the United States and South Korea were pressing ahead with exercises called Dong Maeng this summer, which he called a "rehearsal for war".

"We will make a decision regarding working-level talks with the United States while watching US moves going forward," the spokesman said in a statement carried by the North's official KCNA news agency.

The exercises are expected in August.

North Korea has for years denounced military exercises between the United States and South Korea.

"It is clear that the exercises are a real-time training, rehearsal for war to militarily crush our republic," the North Korean spokesman said in a separate statement, adding that Trump has reaffirmed at last month`s meeting with Kim that the exercises would be halted.

Trump, in his first meeting with Kim in Singapore in June last year, said he would stop exercises, after the two leaders agreed to work towards the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and to improve ties.

While the main annual South Korean-US exercises have been stopped, they still hold smaller drills.

Since the Singapore summit, North Korea has not tested any nuclear weapons or intercontinental ballistic missiles, though it tested new short-range missiles in May.

"As the United States is failing to follow through on its own commitment, the reasoning for us to remain in the agreement is fading away," the North Korean spokesman said, referring to a declaration the two leaders agreed to at their Singapore summit.

Talks on getting North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons are at risk because the United States looks set to break a promise not to hold military exercises with South Korea, North Korea said on Tuesday.

Talks on getting North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons are at risk because the United States looks set to break a promise not to hold military exercises with South Korea, North Korea said on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump revitalised efforts to persuade the North to give up its nuclear weapons last month when he arranged a spur-of-the-moment meeting with North Korea`s Kim Jong Un on the border between the two Koreas. Trump said they had agreed to resume so-called working-level talks, stalled since their second summit in February collapsed. The negotiations are expected in the coming weeks. But a North Korean foreign ministry spokesman cast doubt on that, saying the United States and South Korea were pressing ahead with exercises called Dong Maeng this summer, which he called a "rehearsal for war". "We will make a decision regarding working-level talks with the United States while watching US moves going forward," the spokesman said in a statement carried by the North's official KCNA news agency. The exercises are expected in August. North Korea has for years denounced military exercises between the United States and South Korea. "It is clear that the exercises are a real-time training, rehearsal for war to militarily crush our republic," the North Korean spokesman said in a separate statement, adding that Trump has reaffirmed at last month`s meeting with Kim that the exercises would be halted. Trump, in his first meeting with Kim in Singapore in June last year, said he would stop exercises, after the two leaders agreed to work towards the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and to improve ties. While the main annual South Korean-US exercises have been stopped, they still hold smaller drills. Since the Singapore summit, North Korea has not tested any nuclear weapons or intercontinental ballistic missiles, though it tested new short-range missiles in May. "As the United States is failing to follow through on its own commitment, the reasoning for us to remain in the agreement is fading away," the North Korean spokesman said, referring to a declaration the two leaders agreed to at their Singapore summit.

Nuclear talks at risk if US-South Korea exercises go ahead: North Korea

New U.S. Press Secretary, Stephanie Grisham got hands on in her new role on Sunday, when she stepped in to scuffles between North Korean security guards and members of the U.S. media who were trying to cover the meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to set foot in North Korea on when he met Kim in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas and agreed to resume stalled nuclear talks.

New US Press Secretary Grisham scuffles with North Korean security

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-signals-shift-in-nuclear-diplomacy-kims-right-hand-man-sidelined-213629">demotion of Kim Yong Chol</a>, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's point man for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-says-peace-on-korean-peninsula-depends-on-us-attitude-state-media-213549">nuclear talks with the United States</a>, signals that long-time diplomats who had been sidelined from the process will return to centre-stage, diplomatic sources in Seoul and regional experts said.

The hawkish former general and spymaster was recently removed from a key party post, taking the fall for the failed Hanoi summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump.

Kim Yong Chol remains a formidable force in Pyongyang but there is no word whether he has been given a new role in the ultra-secretive North Korean power structure.&nbsp;

He did not accompany Kim Jong Un to Russia this week for a summit with President Vladimir Putin, the North Korean leader`s first international foray since his Hanoi meeting with Trump in February ended in disarray.

Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho and his deputy, Choe Son Hui, flanked the North Korean leader at the meeting in Vladivostok, including riding in his car, a highly unusual display of proximity.&nbsp;

"The Hanoi summit damaged the North`s long-held principle that its leader never makes an error, so they have to shift the blame," said Kim Hyun-wook, a professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy in Seoul, referring to Kim Yong Chol`s demotion.&nbsp;

"This may not mean an immediate shift in their US&nbsp;strategy, but the diplomats will likely take the initiative to contain the fallout from Hanoi and promote diplomacy with various countries."&nbsp;

Kim Yong Chol was beside Kim through the last 12 months, including for his three meetings with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, two with Chinese President Xi Jinping and the two Trump summits, in Singapore and Hanoi.

But for those who have known him as a hardline military general, Kim Yong Chol never seemed comfortable with the art of negotiating the roll back of his country`s nuclear programme in exchange for concessions from the United States.

Kim avoided getting into details at negotiating sessions, instead leaving it to diplomats to build strategy, two diplomatic sources in Seoul familiar with the North`s diplomatic engagements said.&nbsp;

Even then, he refused to yield control, one of the sources said.&nbsp;

"Whether or not he understood the issues, he kept a tight grip on the negotiations. It seemed like: `Over my dead body I`m going to let Ri Yong Ho take over,`" the source said, referring to the North`s foreign minister.

'REAL SPOKESWOMAN'

The collapse of the Hanoi summit was a major setback for Kim Jong Un, who, several sources said, was led to believe by hawkish aides like Kim Yong Chol that he was about to win sought-after sanctions relief in return for a promise to partially scrap nuclear facilities.

Cheong Seong-chang, a senior fellow at South Korea`s Sejong Institute, said the demands Kim made of Trump in Hanoi had the hallmarks of the "best scenario" strategy advocated by hawks like Kim Yong Chol.&nbsp;

"But it turned out to be a scenario that the United States could never accept," Cheong said. "Kim Jong Un cutting his reliance on Kim Yong Chol is a positive sign for the negotiations."

While Ri has gradually been promoted under Kim, the influence of Vice Foreign Minister Choe has surged since the Hanoi summit, officials and North Korea experts said.

She was a junior player on the North`s US&nbsp;diplomacy team in the 1990s and became the first vice foreign minister and a member of the powerful State Affairs Commission this month.

She held several news conferences after the collapse of the Hanoi summit, playing the rare role of conveying Kim Jong Un`s thinking.

Thae Yong Ho, former North Korean deputy ambassador in London who defected to the South in 2016, said Choe has joined an inner circle of women close to Kim Jong Un, including his sister and his wife.&nbsp;

"Now she`s the real spokeswoman for Kim Jong Un," Thae told a forum hosted by the Asan Institute of Policy Studies on Wednesday in Seoul. "How can Choe read his mind? Because she has access."

A diplomatic source also said Choe appears to have built rapport with Kim Yo Jong, Kim`s sister who is also a senior party official, which contributed to her recent promotion.

"We have to remember that (Foreign Minister) Ri and Choe are not only North Korea`s best people for the job of dealing with the US," said Michael Madden, a North Korea leadership expert at the US-based Stimson Center.

"But they both have known the leader since he was a small boy so there is a dynamic of their wanting to see Kim Jong Un thrive and succeed."

The demotion of Kim Yong Chol, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's point man for nuclear talks with the United States, signals that long-time diplomats who had been sidelined from the process will return to centre-stage, diplomatic sources in Seoul and regional experts said.

The demotion of Kim Yong Chol, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's point man for nuclear talks with the United States, signals that long-time diplomats who had been sidelined from the process will return to centre-stage, diplomatic sources in Seoul and regional experts said. The hawkish former general and spymaster was recently removed from a key party post, taking the fall for the failed Hanoi summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump. Kim Yong Chol remains a formidable force in Pyongyang but there is no word whether he has been given a new role in the ultra-secretive North Korean power structure. He did not accompany Kim Jong Un to Russia this week for a summit with President Vladimir Putin, the North Korean leader`s first international foray since his Hanoi meeting with Trump in February ended in disarray. Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho and his deputy, Choe Son Hui, flanked the North Korean leader at the meeting in Vladivostok, including riding in his car, a highly unusual display of proximity. "The Hanoi summit damaged the North`s long-held principle that its leader never makes an error, so they have to shift the blame," said Kim Hyun-wook, a professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy in Seoul, referring to Kim Yong Chol`s demotion. "This may not mean an immediate shift in their US strategy, but the diplomats will likely take the initiative to contain the fallout from Hanoi and promote diplomacy with various countries." Kim Yong Chol was beside Kim through the last 12 months, including for his three meetings with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, two with Chinese President Xi Jinping and the two Trump summits, in Singapore and Hanoi. But for those who have known him as a hardline military general, Kim Yong Chol never seemed comfortable with the art of negotiating the roll back of his country`s nuclear programme in exchange for concessions from the United States. Kim avoided getting into details at negotiating sessions, instead leaving it to diplomats to build strategy, two diplomatic sources in Seoul familiar with the North`s diplomatic engagements said. Even then, he refused to yield control, one of the sources said. "Whether or not he understood the issues, he kept a tight grip on the negotiations. It seemed like: `Over my dead body I`m going to let Ri Yong Ho take over,`" the source said, referring to the North`s foreign minister. 'REAL SPOKESWOMAN' The collapse of the Hanoi summit was a major setback for Kim Jong Un, who, several sources said, was led to believe by hawkish aides like Kim Yong Chol that he was about to win sought-after sanctions relief in return for a promise to partially scrap nuclear facilities. Cheong Seong-chang, a senior fellow at South Korea`s Sejong Institute, said the demands Kim made of Trump in Hanoi had the hallmarks of the "best scenario" strategy advocated by hawks like Kim Yong Chol. "But it turned out to be a scenario that the United States could never accept," Cheong said. "Kim Jong Un cutting his reliance on Kim Yong Chol is a positive sign for the negotiations." While Ri has gradually been promoted under Kim, the influence of Vice Foreign Minister Choe has surged since the Hanoi summit, officials and North Korea experts said. She was a junior player on the North`s US diplomacy team in the 1990s and became the first vice foreign minister and a member of the powerful State Affairs Commission this month. She held several news conferences after the collapse of the Hanoi summit, playing the rare role of conveying Kim Jong Un`s thinking. Thae Yong Ho, former North Korean deputy ambassador in London who defected to the South in 2016, said Choe has joined an inner circle of women close to Kim Jong Un, including his sister and his wife. "Now she`s the real spokeswoman for Kim Jong Un," Thae told a forum hosted by the Asan Institute of Policy Studies on Wednesday in Seoul. "How can Choe read his mind? Because she has access." A diplomatic source also said Choe appears to have built rapport with Kim Yo Jong, Kim`s sister who is also a senior party official, which contributed to her recent promotion. "We have to remember that (Foreign Minister) Ri and Choe are not only North Korea`s best people for the job of dealing with the US," said Michael Madden, a North Korea leadership expert at the US-based Stimson Center. "But they both have known the leader since he was a small boy so there is a dynamic of their wanting to see Kim Jong Un thrive and succeed."

North Korea turns to diplomats after Kim sidelines point man in nuclear talks

South Korean President Moon Jae-Un said that US President Donald Trump should win a Nobel Peace Prize for his making the Korea talks possible.&nbsp;

"President Trump should win the Nobel Peace Prize. What we need is only peace," Moon told a cabinet meeting, according to a presidential Blue House official who briefed media.

Trump has tamped down expectations from the North Korea talks over its nuclear weapon programme but has claimed credit for making it possible. &nbsp;

Moon and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Friday pledged to end hostilities between the two countries and work towards the “complete denuclearisation” of the Korean peninsula in the first inter-Korean summit in more than a decade.

Calls have followed for the Nobel Peace Prize for Trump, Kim and South Korea’s Moon Jae-in. According to a leading London bookie, the Korea reconciliation initiative is currently the favorite for the prize in 2018, with Kim and Moon front-ending it. Trump is the next favorite.

If Trump does indeed land the Nobel, he will be the fifth US president to win it, following Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama.

Trump is preparing for his own summit with Kim in late May or early June. That upcoming meeting was the main subject of a private walk and chat that Kim and Moon had during their meeting at the border, the official said.

In January, Moon said Trump "deserves big credit for bringing about the inter-Korean talks. It could be a resulting work of the U.S.-led sanctions and pressure."

Trump has tamped down expectations from the North Korea talks over its nuclear weapon programme but has claimed credit for making it possible.

South Korean President Moon Jae-Un said that US President Donald Trump should win a Nobel Peace Prize for his making the Korea talks possible. "President Trump should win the Nobel Peace Prize. What we need is only peace," Moon told a cabinet meeting, according to a presidential Blue House official who briefed media. Trump has tamped down expectations from the North Korea talks over its nuclear weapon programme but has claimed credit for making it possible. Moon and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Friday pledged to end hostilities between the two countries and work towards the “complete denuclearisation” of the Korean peninsula in the first inter-Korean summit in more than a decade. Calls have followed for the Nobel Peace Prize for Trump, Kim and South Korea’s Moon Jae-in. According to a leading London bookie, the Korea reconciliation initiative is currently the favorite for the prize in 2018, with Kim and Moon front-ending it. Trump is the next favorite. If Trump does indeed land the Nobel, he will be the fifth US president to win it, following Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama. Trump is preparing for his own summit with Kim in late May or early June. That upcoming meeting was the main subject of a private walk and chat that Kim and Moon had during their meeting at the border, the official said. In January, Moon said Trump "deserves big credit for bringing about the inter-Korean talks. It could be a resulting work of the U.S.-led sanctions and pressure."

Donald Trump should win Nobel Peace Prize: South Korea President

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