The U.S. is remaining cautiously optimistic about the possibility for direct talks with North Korea after Pyongyang signaled this week that it's ready for dialogue.
However, U.S. sanctions on the regime are here to stay.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said this week that the sanctions are working,... and unless North Korea decides to fully denuclearize,... they will remain in place.
Meanwhile,... speaking to CBS on Wednesday,... Republican Senator Cory Gardner expressed skepticism about Pyongyang's apparent willingness to hold talks.
He noted how the U.S. has made mistakes in the past when it came to promises of denuclearization by the North.