A top aide of U.S. President Barack Obama says North Korea may be seeking to return to negotiations after heightening regional tension with its recent missile and nuclear tests.

Speaking at London-based think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Gary Samore said Pyongyang seems to be seeking a way to ease tension.

The U.S. government-wide coordinator on the prevention of weapons of mass destruction terrorism and proliferation pointed out that Pyongyang’s recent statement in response to the United Nations sanctions was considerably mild.

He also cited recent incidents that the North's missile launches around the U.S. Independence Day were not at a concerning level and that a North Korean cargo ship suspected by U.S. authorities to be carrying weapons-related materials returned to its territorial waters in the West Sea.

Samore said it is typical for North Korea to follow its aggressive behavior with a peaceful gesture after it believes some benefit has been achieved.

But he noted difficulties in negotiating because there is a significant gap between the United States and North Korea on the issue.

In particular, Samore cited Obama’s remark that he will break the pattern in which North Korea pursues rewards through belligerent actions. Samore said a key to the future negotiations will be whether North Korea is truly willing to give up nuclear weapons indefinitely.