McMaster: Missile Test Fits Pattern of Provocative and ‘Threatening’ Behavior from North Korea

National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster spoke with ABC News’ Martha Raddatz this morning about options the United States is considering in response to the pattern of “provocative and destabilizing and threatening behavior” coming from North Korea.

McMaster said the failed missile test this weekend continues that pattern and that “the president has made clear that he will not accept the United States and its allies and partners in the region being under threat from this hostile regime with nuclear weapons.”

He told Raddatz that the U.S. is working with China and other allies to “develop a range of options” on how to respond and be ready “if this pattern of destabilizing behavior continues and if the North Korea regime refuses to denuclearize.”

Raddatz asked McMaster if “the military option’s still on the table?” McMaster said that all options are on the table, but he said the following minutes later:

“This is a problem that has been passed down from multiple administrations. But our president, I think, it’s really the consensus with the president, our key allies in the regions –– Japan and South Korea in particular, but also the Chinese leadership –– that this problem is coming to a head. And so it’s time for us to undertake all actions we can, short of a military option, to try to resolve this peacefully.”

Watch above, via ABC.

[image via screengrab]

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Follow Josh Feldman on Twitter: @feldmaniac

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