North Korea Expert Warns US About Kim Jong Un After Missile Test
A North Korea expert said the US can't ignore Kim Jong Un after the missile test. The test happened amid the US conflict with Iran.
The missile landed in the waters off North Korea's east coast. This happened before joint US and South Korea military exercises. The exercises will happen later this month.
Mark Montgomery said Kim Jong Un is an unpredictable leader. The US can't ignore him. There's an unsettled conflict on the Korean Peninsula.
The US has many challenges, including those with Russia, Ukraine, and China. But the US can't forget about the North Korean challenge. There's no one who can stop Kim Jong Un.
The US said the missile launch doesn't pose an immediate threat. They're consulting with allies.
Kim Jong Un took a photo with soldiers in North Pyongan Province. This happened on February 2, 2026.
The US Indo-Pacific Command is aware of the missile launch. They're consulting with allies and partners.
The US said the launch doesn't pose a threat to the US or its allies. The US will keep defending its homeland and allies.
Montgomery said North Korea's missile launch could be a message to the US, South Korea, or Japan. It could be a mix of these countries.
More than half of some US weapons were used in the Iran war. This raises concerns about the China threat.
US soldiers participated in a river crossing exercise in South Korea. This was part of the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise.
Japan recently test-fired a Tomahawk cruise missile. The US Navy helped with the test.
Montgomery said the missile launch could be a signal to Japan. The US and South Korea will start joint exercises soon.
The US has used many of its theater ballistic missile defense weapons. This happened in the conflict in Iran.
North Korea test-fired a short-range ballistic missile. This happened on August 5, 2026.
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Montgomery said North Korea could be signaling that it's still relevant. The US has depleted some of its defensive systems.
Liz Friden contributed to this report.
Greg Norman is a reporter at Fox News Digital.