(VOVworld) – The US aims to pressure North Korea into dismantling its nuclear and missile programs through additional sanctions and diplomatic measures, while remaining open to negotiation, top US officials said in a joint statement Wednesday.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson at a press conference in Moscow on April 12, 2017. (File photo: Xinhua/VNA)

The joint statement by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Defense James Mattis, and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats was issued after the officials held a highly unusual briefing on North Korea policy for all 100 US Senators at the White House.

The statement said President Donald Trump's approach aims to pressure North Korea into dismantling its nuclear, ballistic missile, and proliferation programs by tightening economic sanctions and pursuing diplomatic measures with allies and regional partners.

As a responsible member of the international community, the US wants to increase pressure on North Korea to convince Pyongyang to de-escalate and return to the path of dialogue, adding that the US is ready to defend itself and its allies.