US calls for UN meet after North Korea tests ballistic missile the could target American territory

The United States called for the UN Security Council to meet Thursday on North Korea's most recent test of an intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of reaching Guam, its most significant launch in years that could target American territory.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Sunday's launch, saying it broke the North's announced moratorium on such launches and clearly violated Security Council resolutions, UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said.

The UN chief urged North Korea “to desist from taking any further counter-productive actions,” expressing “great concern” that Pyongyang again “disregarded any consideration for international flight or maritime safety,” Haq said Wednesday. Guterres also called for all parties to seek a peaceful diplomatic solution.

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The State Department confirmed late Tuesday that the US Mission to the UN requested closed council consultations be held Thursday.

After Sunday's launch, White House officials said they saw the latest missile test as part of an escalating series of provocations over the last several months by North Korea that have become increasingly concerning and are aimed at winning relief from sanctions.

The Hwasong-12 missile launched Sunday was the most powerful missile North Korea has tested since 2017.