North Korea is now able to mount a nuclear warhead on a medium-range missile, putting targets within a range of 1,250 miles at risk, the South Korean government claims. A South Korean official on Tuesday said North Korea is now able to miniaturize a nuclear warhead to fit on a Rodong missile, the official told Reuters. The range of the missile includes all of South Korea, much of Japan, and parts of Russia and China. This includes several US military sites. “We believe they have the ability to mount a nuclear warhead on a Rodong,” the official said. “Whether they will fire it like that is a political decision.” The Pentagon on Tuesday said it has known they have the capability “but we have not seen them demonstrate it,” Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said, according to Reuters. North Korea has recently continued provocation, with multiple test launches of missiles that have prompted international condemnation.
President-elect Donald Trump has said he will nominate Pete Hegseth, a Fox News personality, as Secretary of Defense for Trump's second term. The choice rounds out most of the national security selections for the new administration.