Trump warns North Korea of 'fire and fury'

The threat follows US media reports that Pyongyang has successfully miniaturized a nuclear warhead

Trump's remarks mark a sharp rise in rhetoric from the US - and appear to echo Pyongyang's own regular threats, most recently repeated on Monday, to turn Seoul into a "sea of flames".

"North Korea best not make any more threats to the United States," said Trump, speaking from his golf club in New Jersey. "They will be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen."

They also represent a change in tone from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's assurances last week that Washington was not seeking regime change in Pyongyang.

The Washington Post quoted a Defense Intelligence Agency analysis as saying officials think North Korea now has "nuclear weapons for ballistic missile delivery" - including in its intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) -- making it a potent threat against neighbours and possibly the United States.

The Pentagon did not comment on the story, but the Post said two US officials familiar with the analysis had verified the assessment's broad conclusions, and CNN said it had confirmed the report.

Last month Pyongyang carried out its first two successful ICBM launches, the first - described by Kim as a gift to "American bastards" - showing it could reach Alaska, and the second extending its range even further, with some experts suggesting New York could be vulnerable.

Trump said Kim "has been very threatening beyond a normal state."

"As I said, they will be met with the fire and fury and, frankly, power," he told reporters.

US officials have repeatedly said this year that military action against the North was an "option on the table."

But analysts and politicians reacted to the US president's latest remarks with derision.