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US Envoy For North Korea Says Military Option 'Not Close'

Cover picture: in April 2017, the US carried out an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile test amid rising tensions with North Korea.

The United States' special envoy for North Korea has said America is not close to taking military action against the North.

Joseph Yun said US policy is to apply pressure and leave the door open for dialogue, while keeping all options open.

Mr Yun said a military option is included, but added: "I don't believe we are close to it."

He made the comments at a news conference in Tokyo after attending a meeting on North Korea held by a private think tank.

The two Koreas have resumed talks over the North's participation in this month's Winter Olympics in South Korea, prompting the US and South Korea to postpone regular joint military exercises.

The statement comes only a month after US President Donald Trump tweeted that he has a "much bigger" and "more powerful" nuclear button than North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the “Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times.” Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018