President Donald Trump has a simple explanation for why North Korea gets to keep its nuclear weapons while Iran is told it cannot have any: he likes the guy in charge in Pyongyang.

Speaking Tuesday after meeting with AI leaders at the White House, Trump was asked why Iran cannot have nuclear weapons while North Korea has already developed a nuclear arsenal.

He attributed North Korea's nuclear development to previous administrations, saying, "You know why? Because you had a different president. And they could have stopped him."

Trump called Kim "a friend of mine" and said, "I'm about the only person in the entire world that he likes, and I like him."

He acknowledged North Korea has a significant nuclear capability, describing it as "pretty large," while noting that it is not comparable to the U.S. arsenal.

The President also defended his personal relationship with Kim, saying, "As long as I'm around, he's going to be fine."

"You know why? Because he respects me and he likes me," he added.

Trump Defended North Korea Strategy

Last month, Trump said Kim responded to his outreach for talks but did not reveal details.

Trump also defended his relationship with Kim, saying the North Korean leader had treated him with "great respect" and that they understood each other.

Trump also ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises, citing their cost, his relationship with Kim and South Korea's refusal to join U.S. efforts involving Iran.

The Ulchi Freedom Shield drills continued as scheduled, with about 18,000 South Korean troops participating.

Trump Kept Iran Talks Open

On Monday, Trump remained open to easing sanctions on Iran and releasing frozen Iranian funds in exchange for "concrete progress" on its nuclear program.

U.S.-Iran talks were described as "positive and constructive," but both sides remained divided over whether sanctions relief or nuclear concessions should come first.