US Defense Secretary James Mattis has said the American military “remains ready” for conflict with North Korea following the country’s latest ballistic missile test, but added that he does not believe Washington is “closer to war” with Pyongyang.
“I do not believe this capability in itself brings us closer to war because the president’s been very clear, the secretary of State’s been very clear, that we are leading with diplomatic and economic efforts,” Mattis told reporters at the Pentagon on Thursday.
He added the diplomatic effort includes economic sanctions that are supported by “the military position that we’re taking right now.”
“The military remains ready in accordance with our alliance with Japan, with [South] Korea. We stand ready to provide options if they are necessary,” he stated.
North Korea announced on Tuesday it had successfully tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which Pyongyang claimed could “reach anywhere…