Axios reported on Sunday, citing a senior US official and three other informed sources, that the United States has held internal consultations and contacted external experts to explore the possibility of resuming dialogue with North Korea.

"We are bringing together government agencies to understand the current situation in North Korea. Much has changed over the past four years. We are assessing the situation and discussing possible paths, including direct engagement," the US official said.

Axios reported that the Swedish ambassador to North Korea, who represents US interests there, visited Washington last week for consultations with US officials and experts.

A source familiar with the visit said it was primarily intended to "test Washington's waters" regarding the idea of re-engaging with Pyongyang.

Officials from the State Department and the National Security Council participated in several closed-door sessions with experts on North Korea, one of which addressed the identification of potential North Korean negotiators if talks resume, according to Axios.