North Korea threatens that 'thermonuclear war may break out at any moment

North Korean Deputy United Nations Ambassador Kim In Ryong told a United Nations assembly that due to intervention in the Korean peninsula by the United States, that “a dangerous situation in which a thermonuclear war may break out at any minute.”

“[North Korea] is ready to react to any mode of war desired by the U.S.,” he said Monday in Panmunjom, North Korea.

Kim also ridiculed the joint South Korean-U.S. military drills, calling them the “largest ever aggressive war drill," according to The Hill.

Vice President Mike Pence said on Sunday that “the era of strategic patience is over” between the U.S. and North Korea.

“The people of North Korea, the military of North Korea, should not mistake the resolve of the United States of America to stand with our allies,” he said during remarks at the Demilitarized Zone separating North and South Korea.

“But all options are on the table as we continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of South Korea for denuclearization of this peninsula and for the long-term prosperity and freedom of the people of South Korea.”

North Korea has been on high-alert since President Donald Trump ordered a Navy strike group, led by aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson into the Western Pacific ocean as a show of force. North Korea attempted a failed missile test on Sunday, though at this time, officials are uncertain what kind of missile it was.