SEOUL: North Korea’s defense minister, No Kwang Chol, issued a warning on Saturday of further ‘offensive action’ following Pyongyang’s latest ballistic missile launch.

This action has been met with criticism from both Washington and Seoul, underscoring escalating tensions in the region.

The recent missile launch by North Korea occurred just over a week after US President Donald Trump expressed interest in meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his tour of the region.

However, Pyongyang did not respond to the offer.

According to KCNA, No Kwang Chol accused Washington of becoming ‘brazen’ in its military moves, threatening North Korea's security and intentionally escalating both political and military tensions.

In response, he stated that North Korea would take more aggressive measures against perceived threats.

Before the launch, US Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and his South Korean counterpart visited the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to reaffirm their countries' strong combined defense posture and cooperation.

Additionally, the USS George Washington, a US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, arrived in Busan for logistics support and crew rest, further increasing tensions.

The US Indo-Pacific Command emphasized that North Korea's actions highlight the destabilizing impact of its ballistic missile launches.

They stated they are consulting closely with allies and partners.

South Korea’s military also condemned the launch, urging North Korea to cease actions heightening tensions between them.

In light of these developments, Trump has approved South Korea’s plan to build a nuclear-powered submarine, marking a significant advancement in their naval capabilities.

This move is expected to provoke an aggressive response from Pyongyang if implemented.

According to sources briefed by the defense intelligence agency, North Korea appears ready to conduct its seventh nuclear test if leader Kim Jong Un decides to proceed.