U.s.-north Korea Relations, Missile Defense | featured news

The U.S. is moving ground-to-air missile defenses to Hawaii after North Korea's recent moves to restart its nuclear weapon program.

North Korea announced its intention to launch the satellite in February. Regional powers worry the claim is a cover for the launch of a long-range missile capable of reaching Alaska. National Intelligence Director Dennis Blair said earlier this month that all indications suggest North Korea will in fact launch a satellite.

U.S. envoy Stephen Bosworth said Saturday he wanted dialogue with North Korea but also spoke against the communist nation's move to launch a long-range missile, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported.

The U.S. military is prepared to shoot down a North Korean missile or rocket if President Obama should give the order, the head of the U.S. Pacific Command said Thursday.