Politics

Graham Says Military Action Against North Korea Might Be 'Inevitable'

In an interview with NBC, Sen. Lindsey Graham said war with North Korea is likely if it continues to develop its missile program.

Graham Says Military Action Against North Korea Might Be 'Inevitable'
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On NBC's "Today" show Tuesday, Sen. Lindsey Graham said military action against North Korea is possible under President Donald Trump.

"There will be a war with North Korea over their missile program if they continue to try to hit America with an ICBM. [Trump] has told me that," Graham said.

Graham also said, "It's inevitable unless North Korea changes."

Graham's comments come after North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile July 28. It flew about six minutes longer than the ICBM the country tested July 4.

North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un claims the most recent missile test shows it can hit anywhere in the U.S.

North Korea's Missile Program Is Progressing Faster Than We Thought
North Korea's Missile Program Is Progressing Faster Than We Thought

North Korea's Missile Program Is Progressing Faster Than We Thought

U.S. intelligence agencies say North Korea could build a reliable nuclear-capable missile in the next year.

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But previous analysis suggests North Korea's ICBMs might have the range to reach Alaska but not the entire U.S. And some experts question if the country's missiles can survive re-entering the atmosphere, among other doubts.

Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed Sunday to increase diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea.

"We'll handle North Korea," Trump said during a Cabinet meeting July 31. "We're going to be able to handle them. It will be handled."

Later Monday, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said all options for dealing with North Korea "are on the table."