US military analysts believe North Korea launched a "probable" two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile on Tuesday, according to a US official with knowledge of the ongoing post-launch analysis.
The assessment suggests a second-stage booster did ignite and produce 30 seconds of additional flight. The missile flew more than 550 miles before splashing down west of Japan, according to the source.
Trump administration national security, military and diplomatic officials are holding a series of unexpected July 4 meetings to discuss options for a potential response. At this stage, the US believes that whatever capability the North Koreans have demonstrated, it does not necessarily mean they can immediately launch a working missile that can reach as far as western Alaska. And it's also not clear that the regime has a functioning miniaturized nuclear warhead.
However, US military commanders have long said they plan for a worst-case scenario and have updated options for President Donald Trump specifically in anticipation of a North Korean ICBM or underground nuclear test.
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