Thomson Reuters
Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-14 is pictured during its second test-fire
A spokesman for North Korea's military told KCNA that it would carry out a pre-emptive operation if there were signs of U.S. provocation.
On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump warned North Korea it would be met with "fire and fury" if it threatens the United States, ratcheting up the rhetoric with the nuclear-armed nation.
Earlier Pyongyang said it was ready to give Washington a "severe lesson" with its strategic nuclear force in response to any U.S. military action.