North Korea on Monday hinted at engaging in further provocations, saying it will continue to take nuclear deterrence steps in response to the Trump administration’s hard-line policies toward Pyongyang.
 
The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the North's ruling Workers' Party, said in an editorial on Monday that in the face of senior U.S. officials persistently pursuing hostile policies toward Pyongyang, the North’s military and people will continuously take nuclear deterrence measures for self-defense.
 
The report went on to say that the North’s possession of nuclear weapons is the only way to finally settle North Korea-U.S. relations as well as an absolute guarantee for ensuring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
 
The report claimed the source of rising tensions on the peninsula lies in the joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises. It said the U.S. is the one launching provocations and threats, spending days and months on war games aimed at the North.