Tillerson urges to confront N. Korea or face 'catastrophic consequences'

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Friday urged the international community to increase pressure on North Korea, saying that failing to do so would bring 'catastrophic consequences'.

He also called on for new sanctions to pressure Pyongyang to dismantle its nuclear program.

"All options for responding to future provocations must remain on the table. Diplomatic and financial leverage or power will be backed up by willingness to counteract North Korean aggression with military action, if necessary," he said while chairing a special meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

Tillerson said that it is much preferred to find a negotiated solution to the problem but U.S. is committed to defend themselves and their allies against North Korean aggression.

He urged the UN to enforce the existing sanctions on North Korea, suspend or downgrade diplomatic relations and increase its financial isolation by targeting countries and individuals that support the Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile program.

"This new pressure campaign will be swiftly implemented and painful to North Koran interest, noting that nations allied to North Korea may not approve. But the catastrophic effects of a North Korean nuclear strike outweigh any economic benefits. We must be willing to face the hard truths and mark hard choices right now to prevent disastrous outcomes in the future. Business as usual is not an option," he said.