The US defence department has delayed an intercontinental ballistic missile test that had been planned for next week at an air force base in California amid mounting tensions with North Korea, according to a senior official.
Defence secretary Chuck Hagel reportedly decided to put off the long-planned Minuteman 3 test until next month because of concerns the launch could be misinterpreted and exacerbate the Korean crisis. "This is the logical, prudent and responsible course of action to take," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The test was not connected to the ongoing annual US and South Korean military exercises in that region that have angered North Korea.
North Korea held its latest nuclear test in February, and in December launched a long-range rocket that could potentially hit the continental US. Increasing tension is the uncertainty around the intentions of the country's new young leader, Kim Jong-un.