US SECRETARY of State, Rex Tillerson, has admitted he’s nervous that he does not know how long it may be until North Korea strikes America with a nuclear bomb, it has been revealed.
The member of Donald Trump’s cabinet declared that the threat imposed by despot leader Kim Jong-un is “not acceptable” as he issued a stark warning to Pyongyang.
He said:It does make us nervous. It also stiffens our resolve.
“That kind of a threat to the American people by a regime like this is not acceptable.”
The alarming message came as the official pledged to do all he could to reach a peace resolution with the hermit state before physical conflict broke out.
Mr Tillerson added: “I’m gonna use all the time available to me our diplomatic efforts will continue until that first bomb drops.
“And we don't know precisely how much time is left on the clock.”
Rhetoric of war from Kim Jong-un has calmed since North Korea sent a team to the Winter Olympics, hosted by its southern neighbour.
However, there are fears that once the international games are over the rogue state will continue its confrontation with the US.
Concerns that the hermit kingdom could launch a nuclear strike at the US have risen in recent months after the dictatorship announced it now had the ability to hit mainland America.
In a direct plea to Pyongyang on US TV, Mr Tillerson urged Kim Jong-un’s regime to get in contact if he wanted to take part in talks with the US.
He said: “My job as chief diplomat is to ensure that the North Koreans know we keep our channels open, I'm listening.
“I’m not sending a lotta messages back 'cause there's nothing to say to them at this point.
“So I'm listening for you [North Korea] to tell me you are ready to talk.”
Mr Trump has repeatedly threatened to attack North Korea and deliver “fire and fury” if Kim threatened the US or its allies.
Preparing itself for a potential war, the US is believed to be calling security experts out of retirement.
Cyber warfare experts have suggested US officials are scrambling to recruit the best in hacking and virtual war since they fear major systems will be targeted by Pyongyang.