US Threatens To 'Destroy North Korean Regime'

The United States has threatened to 'destroy the North Korean regime' following the launch of what state media described as a significantly more powerful, nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile.

PICTURES: UNTV

Speaking at an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, the US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, said the launch of an ICBM that could reach the US was an act of aggression and stated "the North Korean regime will be utterly destroyed".

Ms Haley also said the dictator of North Korea made a decision that brings us closer to war and issued a warning;

"We have never sought war with North Korea and still today we do not seek it"

US President Donald Trump tweeted that he spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping about North Korea's "provocative actions", and that additional major sanctions will be imposed on China's ally.

Some observers believe the latest North Korean test showed it's Hwasong-15 missile with a nuclear warhead could hit the US mainland.

President Trump has vowed to prevent North Korea from having that capability by using military force if necessary.