US President Donald Trump today warned North Korea of "total destruction" if its leader Kim Jong-Un, whom he mockingly described as "Rocket Man", continued with his provocative behaviour.
North Korea fired a missile over Japan earlier this month and tested a hydrogen bomb, prompting Trump to insist that "all options were on the table" in an implied threat of pre- emptive military action.
In his maiden address to the UN General Assembly, Trump said no nation on Earth has an interest in seeing "this band of criminals" arm itself with nuclear weapons and missiles.
"The United States has great strength and patience, but if it is forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea. 'Rocket Man' is on a suicide mission for himself and for his regime," Trump said.
"The United States is ready, willing and able. But hopefully, this will not be necessary. That's what the United Nations is all about. That's what the United Nations is for. Let's see how they do.
"It is time for North Korea to realise that the denuclearisation is its only acceptable future," he asserted.
The UN Security Council recently held two unanimous 15- to-0 votes adopting hard-hitting resolutions against North Korea, he said.
He thanked China and Russia for joining the vote to impose sanctions, along with all the other members of the Security Council.
"Thank you to all involved," he said.
"But we must do much more. It is time for all nations to work together to isolate the Kim regime until it ceases its hostile behaviour.
"We face this decision not only in North Korea. It is far past time for the nations of the world to confront another reckless regime, one that speaks openly of mass murder, vowing death to America, destruction to Israel and ruin for many leaders and nations in this room," he added, pointing to Iran.
Trump said North Korea's reckless pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles threatens the entire world with unthinkable loss of human life.
"It is an outrage that some nations would not only trade with such a regime, but would arm, supply and financially support a country that imperils the world with nuclear conflict," he said.
