North Korea Says Its Missile Could Target Anywhere In The US

North Korea says its most recent missile test shows the entire U.S. is within its reach. 

It's somewhat of a bold claim. Previous analysis shows North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missiles might have the range to reach Alaska, but not the entire U.S.

Of course, getting a missile off the ground is only the first step. The country also claimed its most recent missile test showed re-entry capabilities, meaning it could bring the missile down on a precise target. According to a top U.S. official, experts don't believe North Korea has that technology — at least, not yet.

But the country's missile program has been progressing quickly. Previous estimates ruled a fully deployable, nuclear-capable ICBM would take the regime at least three years to develop, if not longer.

Related StoryUS Says Iran Is Complying With The Nuclear Deal But Gives A Warning

But new reports show that U.S. intelligence now believes the country could have one as early as next year. 

While the country may be close to developing a reliable nuclear-capable ICBM, it's unclear if it has a nuclear weapon small enough to launch. 

Kim Jong-un's regime claims its nuclear program has developed and tested miniaturized nuclear warheads. But we haven't seen a warhead attached to an ICBM, which would add weight and affect the missile's trajectory.