US Warns North Korean Leadership Will be ‘Utterly Destroyed’ in Case of War

US Warns North Korean Leadership Will be ‘Utterly Destroyed’ in Case of War
Nikki Haley, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, speaks during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council concerning North Korea's nuclear ambitions, at the United Nations headquarters, on Nov. 29, 2017 in New York City. Drew Angerer/Getty Images
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UNITED NATIONS/SEOUL—The United States warned the North Korean leadership that it would be “utterly destroyed” if war were to break out, after Pyongyang test fired its most advanced intercontinental ballistic missile, putting the U.S. mainland within range.

The Trump administration has repeatedly said all options were on the table in dealing with North Korea’s ballistic and nuclear weapons program, including military ones, but that it still prefers a diplomatic option.