As the brutal dictator turns 34 – depending on which country you ask – concerns are growing that North Korea is set to launch a new missile imminently.
Nikki Hayley, US Ambassador to the United Nations, said that Washington had received reports that Pyongyang may be in preparations for another weapons test.
She said: “I hope that doesn’t happen. But if it does, we must bring even tougher measures to bear against the North Korean regime.”
The North Korean Supreme Leader has caused alarm about World War 3 in recent weeks with his direct threats to the United States.
In his New Year’s address, Kim, warned President Trump “the entire US is within range of our nuclear weapons”.
He said, “A nuclear button is always on my desk. This is reality, not a threat.”
The North Korean supreme leader, who has been in power since 2011, made his speech weeks after testing the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
The most recent of its 23 missile shots last year, the launch took place on November 28 with North Korea proclaiming it to be the furthest and highest missile yet.
The despot regime has previously launched new missile tests on important key dates in its calendar.
Pope Francis used his “State of the World” address yesterday to call on a legally-binding ban on nuclear weapons.
Pope Francis said: ”Nuclear weapons must be banned,” quoting a document issued by Pope John XXIII at the height of the Cold War and adding that there is “no denying that the conflagration could be started by some chance and unforeseen circumstance”.
Kim Jong-un is unlikely to take much notice of the Pope’s message for peace.
He has previously ignored condemnation from the international community and United Nations Security Council, which resulted in economic sanctions against North Korea in November.
A North Korea expert told Express.co.uk on Friday that the ruthless regime will continue its nuclear programme at all costs, despite a forthcoming appear at the Winter Olympics and recent warmer relations with Seoul.
Hazel Smith, professorial research associate at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, said: “They are going to continue with their nuclear programme anyway. It is not one or another.”
She added: “I do not think anyone would seriously expect a deep-seated conflict involving so many partners to be resolved in two or three days.”