U.S. Officials Say Risk of Conflict with North Korea Has Increased but Is Not Imminent

Several senior U.S. officials have emphasized that the United States is still working to find a diplomatic solution to North Korea's nuclear issue. American officials state that the risk of military conflict, while not imminent, has increased compared to previous years. National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster, the CIA Director, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff have recently discussed North Korea in light of recent tensions following an intercontinental ballistic missile test and UN sanctions. These remarks come shortly after heightened verbal tensions between the U.S. and North Korea; on one side, Donald Trump warned North Korea that it would face 'fire and fury' from the U.S., while on the other, Pyongyang claimed it was planning a possible missile attack on U.S. bases in Guam. McMaster stated on August 22 that 'compared to a week ago, we are not closer to war, but compared to a decade ago, we are closer.' However, he stressed that the U.S. continues its 'very determined diplomatic efforts' led by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, while also seeking to increase sanctions against Pyongyang to compel Kim Jong-un and his leadership to halt the development of ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs. Trump's advisor noted that U.S. weapons are 'ready to fire every day,' referencing a recent statement by the President that U.S. weapons are prepared to strike North Korea. CIA Director Mike Pompeo also stated that America's strategic patience regarding North Korea's military program is nearing its end, but there is no imminent risk of conflict. Pompeo remarked, 'There is no imminent danger that will occur today.' Without providing details, he mentioned that the U.S. has a 'very good picture' of North Korea's intentions and that Kim Jong-un reacts to 'unfavorable conditions.' Meanwhile, the Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, who is currently engaged in meetings and discussions in Asia and is expected to meet with leaders from South Korea, Japan, and China, told reporters that he intends to understand the current regional situation. General Dunford added that he would discuss possible military options if the current 'diplomatic and economic campaign' yields no results. Dunford stated, 'We are looking to get out of this situation without starting a war.' A day prior to these statements, the U.S. President had a phone conversation with his Chinese counterpart. According to a report from Chinese state television regarding the talks between the two leaders, Xi Jinping called for a peaceful solution to the North Korean nuclear issue and urged 'relevant parties' to avoid 'words and actions' that escalate tensions. According to a statement released by the White House, Trump and Xi called for an end to North Korea's 'provocative and tension-inducing behaviors.' The day before, an American website monitoring North Korean activities claimed that they were observing actions that likely indicate North Korea's readiness to conduct a ballistic missile test from a submarine. No official has confirmed this report. However, Mike Pompeo stated that a missile test 'would not be surprising.' North Korea tested two Hwasong-14 missiles last month, which it claims are intercontinental ballistic missiles. Reports and statements from Western officials and their Asian allies indicate that these tests were successful. Additionally, there is an assessment that the missiles have a range that reaches U.S. territory.