Donald Trump’s administration acknowledged on Saturday for the first time that it is in direct communication with North Korea’s government over its missile & nuclear tests, opening a possible way ahead beyond the increasing threats of a military confrontation from both sides.

“We are probing, so stay tuned,” Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson said, when pressed about how he might begin a conversation with Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, that could avert what many government officials fear is a significant chance of open conflict between the two countries.

“We ask, ‘Would you like to talk?’ We have lines of communications to Pyongyang — we’re not in a dark situation, a blackout,” he added. “We have a couple, three channels open to Pyongyang,” a reference to North Korea’s capital.

The 2 countries have been trading public threats over North Korea’s nuclear program, with the North stating that its missiles have the capacity to strike the US & President Trump vowing to “totally destroy” North Korea.

Mr. Tillerson gave no sign of what the administration might be willing to give up in any negotiations, & Donald Trump has made clear he would make no special considerations. But many inside & outside government have noted there were no major military exercises between the US & South Korea scheduled until the spring, so the promise of scaling them back could be suspended.

However Mr. Kim would be unlikely to see that as much of a victory & he has rejected any talks that would in due course require him to disarm.