National security

North Korea threat: US official warns 'inevitable' regime develops ICBM

A U.S. defense official said Tuesday that-- if left unchecked-- it is "inevitable" that North Korea will develop a nuclear device that has intercontinental capabilities.

Lt. Gen. Vincent Stewart, the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, said at a Senate hearing that North Korea is working to produce a device that can be transported on a ballistic missile.

"If left on its current trajectory, the regime will ultimately succeed in fielding a nuclear-armed missile capable of threatening the United States homeland," Stewart said.

Stewart’s remarks are the latest indication of the U.S.’ increased worries about North Korea’s missile and nuclear weapons program, which Pyongyang has said is only being developed for self-defense.