North Korea Promises 'Most Ruthless Blow' to US

President Trump may be considering putting American nuclear missiles in South Korea—or even assassinating Kim Jong-un. Military and intelligence officials tell NBC News the National Security Council has presented Trump with options on responding to North Korea's refusal to curtail its nuclear program. The options all represent big changes in US foreign policy. The US removed its nukes from South Korea 25 years ago; putting them back would be the first time US nuclear weapons were located overseas since the Cold War. Another option—apart from the assassination of North Korea's leader—is sneaking special forces into North Korea to sabotage its nuclear program and abilities.

The options would be considered if China doesn't successfully put more pressure on North Korea. And one intelligence official tells NBC he doesn't see a diplomatic solution forthcoming. Trump has vowed to keep building defenses against North Korea, prompting a North Korean ambassador to threaten the "most ruthless blow" if the country is provoked, News.com.au reports. “We have the readiness and ability to counter any challenge from the US,” Kim Hyong-Jun says. Meanwhile, South Korean officials say North Korea appears ready to unveil a new intercontinental ballistic missile during a huge military parade planned for April 15, according to UPI. (More North Korea stories.)