The United States could consider "
diplomacy
" with North Korea to break the deadlock on the issue of the North Korean nuclear program, the White House said Wednesday.
Read also: Kim pledges to strengthen North Korea's nuclear arsenal
"
We have a clear objective concerning North Korea, it is the denuclearization
" of the Korean peninsula, said White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki.
“
We will continue to apply sanctions, of course.
We are consulting our allies and partners.
We are ready to consider some form of diplomacy if that leads us to denuclearization,
”she added.
Joe Biden silent on his intentions
US President Joe Biden has so far remained fairly silent on his intentions vis-à-vis Pyongyang, citing this ongoing review to develop a new strategy after his predecessor Donald Trump's attempt at direct diplomacy with the northern leader. Korean Kim Jong-un, who did not allow any progress on the denuclearization of the reclusive country.
The American president nevertheless warned that the United States would retaliate "
accordingly
", in the event of
North Korean
"
escalation
", after missile fire by Pyongyang at the end of last month.