This morning North Korean media stated Kim had been briefed by his Missile Command on completed plans to test launch missiles and ‘bracket’ the US Pacific territory of Guam.
But Kim stated he would watch the “foolish and stupid conduct of the Yankees” a little more before deciding whether to give an order for the missile test.
The US has stated any missiles lobbed toward Guam would be seen as a deeply provocative act.
US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the United States would “take out” any such missile and declared such a launch could lead to war.
Kim’s comments, however, come with an almost hidden tone of moderation.
It appears to signal a path to defuse the crisis by saying Kim would watch any US behaviour before giving the order to fire.