Defense Secretary James Mattis cautioned on Thursday that the U.S. is not “closer to war” with North Korea as a result of the deeply isolated nation testing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). “We are leading with diplomatic and economic efforts,” Mattis told reporters at the Pentagon. “I do not believe this capability brings us closer to war,” he added. Mattis’ approach is markedly different from that expressed by Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, who said on Wednesday that the window for a “diplomatic” solution is closing as North Korea continues its aggression. Haley said a military response to the nuclear crisis is on the table, but not desired.
