North Korea has said its status as a nuclear state is permanent and that the U.S. should stop its hostile provocation in calling for Pyongyang's denuclearization.

Why It Matters

Despite U.N. sanctions, North Korea has developed increasingly sophisticated intermediate-range and intercontinental ballistic missiles, including systems it says can deliver nuclear warheads.

U.S. President Donald Trump has raised the possibility of reengaging with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un . Trump met Kim three times during the U.S. president's first term, in an unsuccessful bid to press North Korea to give up its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

North Korea's latest statement underscores its determination to retain its weapons and would appear to rule out any reengagement as long

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