Exclusive: U.S. making plans for "bloody nose" military attack on North Korea

One option is destroying a launch site before it is used by the regime for a new missile test. Stockpiles of weapons could also be targeted.

The hope is that military force would show Kim Jong-un that America is “serious” about stopping further nuclear development and trigger negotiations.

Three sources – two former US officials familiar with current thinking and a third figure in the administration – confirmed military options were being worked up.