SHOCK North Korea WARNING: US ‘closer to nuclear war than ever before’ with Kim Jong-un

leader Kim Jong-un warned a “nuclear button is always on my desk” as he took aim at the US during his New Year’s address in Pyongyang.

The dictator already sparked fears of after refusing to halt his intercontinental ballistic missile programme despite widespread international condemnation.

Speaking from the North Korea capital, said: “The entire United States is within range of our nuclear weapons, and a nuclear button is always on my desk. This is reality, not a threat.”

The dictator also declared that North Korea had reached full nuclear force in 2017 and called for the mass-production of nukes and missiles in the year ahead as tensions continue to rise with the US.

He said: “We achieved the goal of completing our state nuclear force in 2017.

”We need to mass-produce nuclear warheads and ballistic missiles and accelerate their deployment.”

Responding to the terrifying address, former joint chiefs chairman Mike Mullen said the US is closer than ever to a nuclear war, with little opportunity to defuse the situation diplomatically.

He told ABC: “The top of the list is North Korea.

“We’re actually closer, in my view, to a nuclear war with North Korea, and in that region, than we’ve ever been.

“I just don’t see how… I don’t see the opportunities to solve this diplomatically at this particular point.”

Last year, the rogue state conducted its sixth nuclear test, which sparked an earthquake of 6.3 in magnitude.

North Korea also tested three intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), with Kim Jong-un declaring the third rocket was capable of reaching “all the US mainland”.

KCNA said: “The DPRK, an undeniable new strategic state and nuclear power, declares: Do not expect any change in its policy.

“On February 12 the DPRK successfully test-fired the new type strategic weapon system Pukguksong-2, ground-to-ground intermediate-range strategic ballistic rocket.

“On Nov. 29, the DPRK succeeded in the test-fire of new type ICBM Hwasong-15 reflecting its tremendous might as a world-class military power.

“The US persistent moves against the DPRK in political, economic, military, diplomatic and all other fields till the end of this year could not stop even a moment the advance of the DPRK confident in the victory of its cause.

“The DPRK, as a responsible nuclear weapons state, will lead the trend of history to the only road of independence and justice, weathering all tempests on this planet.”