“To reduce the risk of escalation, we contacted the North Korean government through various channels starting in mid-February, including in New York,” said the official. “So far, we have received no response from Pyongyang. This has been happening for more than a year without active dialogue with North Korea, despite several attempts by the United States to engage.”
The official did not provide further details on what the disclosure entailed, but noted that the government has conducted its interagency review of the United States’ policy towards North Korea, “including assessing all options available to address the growing threat posed by North Korea to its neighbors and the international community at large. “
During the review process, the government consulted former government officials with experience in North Korean politics, including some Trump administration officials, the official said. The United States has also maintained contact with Japan and South Korea’s allies.
“We look forward to completing our intensive multi-stakeholder policy review in the coming weeks,” said the official.
Satellite images obtained by CNN reveal that North Korea has recently taken steps to hide a facility that US intelligence agencies believe is being used to store nuclear weapons.