With tensions and rhetoric between the two countries growing by the day, United States President Donald Trump believes that a military attack on North Korea could "be a very sad day" for the nuclear ambitious Asian state. Speaking during a news conference alongside Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Hamad al-Jaber al-Sabah, Trump said that such an attack was not beyond the realm of possibility.
Increased tensions between the US and North Korea
In the past few months, North Korea has grated on the nerves of the American government as it continues to ramp up its nuclear and ballistic missiles program, in defiance of international disapproval and economic sanctions imposed on it by the United Nations.
Last weekend, the reclusive North Korea carried it's sixth and largest nuclear weapons test. The test was seen as an indication that President Kim Jong-un's Communist government is edging closer to achieving its ultimate goal of manufacturing a powerful nuclear weapon that could reach the United States mainland.
As the United States continues to look for ways to thwart North Korea's nuclear ambitions, there are growing concerns that Kim Jong-un's government has gained too much momentum for that to happen. Trump has accused the isolated country of misbehaving, insisting that its activities have to be brought to a stop. During the press conference, Mr. Trump said that military action against North Korea is one of the options on the table.
According to The Independent, Trump said that his preference would be to avoid attacking North Korea, but added that such action could still take place. He added that the US military has never been stronger, and mentioned that since he assumed office in January, the country has increased its spending on the country's armed forces.
The Republican boasted that each day, new equipment is delivered to the American military.
Do not test the might of the US military
Trump said that he hoped that the US military would not be put in a position where it would have to employ its vastly superior war machinery on North Korea. He said that should the US turn its military might on Kim Jong-un's state; the results would be unfortunate for Pyongyang.
When asked if his administration would be willing to tolerate a North Korea armed with nuclear weapons but reigned in, the US leader did not give a definitive answer. He said that unlike previous US administrations, he does not reveal his negotiation tactics.
On Thursday, North Korea's trading partner and ally, China agreed that the United Nations should take more action against North Korea, but also insisted that dialogue could resolve the issue. Al-Jazeera reported that Asian and American officials said that while economic sanctions are necessary, they are not likely to deter Pyongyang.
Touching on the dispute between Qatar and Gulf Arab nations allied with the United States, Mr. Trump voiced his willingness to wade in and mediate a compromise.
