Top Trump officials warn of fresh North Korea pressure

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON

Top Trump administration officials on Wednesday warned of increased international efforts to bring North Korea's nuclear program to heel, saying that past efforts have failed to reign in the North's nuclear program.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defense Secretary James Mattis and National Intelligence Director Dan Coats said in a joint statement they are engaging "responsible members" of the international community to increase pressure on Pyongyang "to convince the regime to de-escalate and return to the path of dialogue".

"We will maintain our close coordination and cooperation with our allies, especially the Republic of Korea and Japan, as we work together to preserve stability and prosperity in the region," the top officials said.

The focus of Washington's efforts will be on diplomacy and ratcheting up economic sanctions, they said leaving the door open for defensive military action.

"The United States seeks stability and the peaceful denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. We remain open to negotiations towards that goal. However, we remain prepared to defend ourselves and our allies," they said.

In addition to Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford, the trio of Trump officials earlier Wednesday held an unprecedented briefing for the entire senate on the situation in North Korea at the White House. President Donald Trump also dropped in on the meeting.

Mattis, Tillerson, Coats and Dunford are expected to brief House members at the Capitol.