North Korea’s Latest ICBM Test Draws Strong U.S. Reproach—How Close Is the Threat?”

The White House has strongly condemned North Korea’s launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), calling it “a flagrant violation” of UN Security Council resolutions.

On Wednesday, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated in a press release that the United States “strongly condemns” North Korea’s ICBM test. Kirby added that while the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command has assessed that this launch did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, territory, or our allies, it unnecessarily raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region.

He stated, “It only demonstrates that the DPRK continues to prioritize its unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs over the well-being of its people. We urge all countries to condemn these violations and call on the DPRK to cease its destabilizing actions and engage in serious dialogue.”

Kirby also affirmed that the U.S. national security team is closely coordinating with allies and partners, emphasizing, “The United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the American homeland, the Republic of Korea, and Japanese allies.”

Earlier, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that North Korea launched the suspected ICBM from the Pyongyang area towards the East Sea at approximately Thursday 7:10 AM.