US delays missile test in bid to ease North Korea tensions
The US has postponed an intercontinental ballistic missile test next week amid mounting tensions with North Korea.
A senior defence official said that Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel delayed the long-planned Minuteman 3 test at an Air Force base in California because of concerns the launch could be misinterpreted and exacerbate the current crisis.
North Korea's military has warned that it was authorised to attack the US using "smaller, lighter and diversified" nuclear weapons.
South Korean officials say the North moved at least one missile with "considerable range" to its east coast, suggesting a launch could be imminent.
US and South Korean annual military exercises have been ongoing, with warships and bombers in the region.
