The United States has confirmed that North Korea has test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile, ICBM, for the first time, yesterday. The US has strongly condemned the launch. <br/><br/>US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson claimed in a statement that testing an ICBM represents a new escalation of the threat to the United States, their allies and partners, the region and the world. He added that the United States will never accept a nuclear-armed North Korea. <br/><br/>In the statement, Tillerson also said that the US would seek stronger measures at the UN Security Council to hold the North Koreans accountable for the latest missile test.<br/>'<br/>The Security Council is expected to meet today for an emergency closed-door meeting on the issue. <br/><br/>Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also strongly condemned the launch. <br/><br/>He added that North Korea's leadership must cease further provocative actions and comply fully with its international obligations. <br/>'<br/>Pyongyang has also declared that it had successfully tested its first ICBM.<br/>''<br/>