The United States will work with its global allies to "increase pressure" on North Korea to scale back its nuclear efforts – but "we remain prepared to defend ourselves and our allies," Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and other top national security officials said Wednesday.
Tillerson, Defense Secretary James Mattis, and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats released a statement on Pyongyang after briefing senators in a classified setting at the White House.
Gen. Joe Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also participated in the session.
"Past efforts have failed to halt North Korea's unlawful weapons programs and nuclear and ballistic missile tests," the officials said. "With each provocation, North Korea jeopardizes stability in Northeast Asia and poses a growing threat to our allies and the U.S. homeland.
"North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons is an urgent national security threat and top foreign policy priority.
"The president's approach aims to pressure North Korea into dismantling its nuclear, ballistic missile, and proliferation programs by tightening economic sanctions and pursuing diplomatic measures with our allies and regional partners," they said.
"We are engaging responsible members of the international community to increase pressure on North Korea in order to convince the regime to de-escalate and return to the path of dialogue.
"We will maintain our close coordination and cooperation with our allies, especially South Korea and Japan, as we work together to preserve stability and prosperity in the region.
"The United States seeks stability and the peaceful denuclearization of the Korean peninsula," they added. "We remain open to negotiations towards that goal.
"However, we remain prepared to defend ourselves and our allies."
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