North Korea sparked fears of World War 3 after test-firing a series of intercontinental missiles and promising to become the “world’s strongest nuclear power”.
Donald Trump retaliated to Kim Jong-un’s threats of a missile attack on the United States by promising to react with “fire and fury” and even “totally destroy” the hermit nation.
Mr Trump’s administration has since said it is willing to sit-down with Kim Jong-un and his government team to put an end to the tension.
However, US Army retired General Jack Keane told Fox News North Korea would never give up its nuclear ambitions until it truly believed Donald Trump would not take military action on the hermit nation.
He said: “The Russians have told us North Korea is willing to have some serious negotiations – whether that is true or not, I don’t know.
“Secretary of State Tillerson spoke about negotiations. The North Koreans have always used negotiations as a plot to advance their programme covertly, while we’re conducting negotiations.
“Our administration here is very much aware of that. But, I do think there might be a slight opening here to begin a diplomatic effort to succeed
“The bellicose language will likely continue, regardless.”
General Keane then revealed North Korea leader Kim Jong-un is only trying to “guarantee the security of his regime”.
He added: “The Kim dynasty to go on, that’s clearly what he wants.
“That’s why he wants to point weapons at the American people, much like Russia and China does.
“If there’s a way that we can convince him… truly convince him we will never attack North Korea, then I think this thing starts to move in the right direction.”
After their most recent launch, North Korea’s nuclear weapons builders have been told to enhance their efforts.
At a ceremony, Kim Jong-un told workers that North Korea will “victoriously advance and lead as the strongest nuclear power and military power in the world”.
Kim Jong-un added: “We will develop new strategic weapons systems, including atomic bombs, hydrogen and ICBM.
“Our defence industry, self-defence power has been enormously strengthened at an extraordinary speed, and our republic will become the world’s strongest nuclear power and a military power.”