Intel: Missile launch toward U.S. unlikely

WASHINGTON, June 25 (UPI) -- A U.S. intelligence officer said it doesn't appear North Korea intends to fire a long-range missile, dismissing reports of a possible launch toward Hawaii.

The official said warnings issued by North Korea to sailors indicate the country intends to test-fire short- and medium-range missiles, CNN reported Thursday.

The North Korean government issued a warning to mariners to avoid an area in the Sea of Japan between June 24 and July 9 because of a "military firing exercise," a U.S. military communication about the warning that was provided to CNN said.

Reports in Japanese media that cited intelligence information indicated Pyongyang intended to fire a missile toward Hawaii July 4. Soon after the report, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said he was deploying defensive measures around Hawaii.

Shorter-range missiles can be "rolled out on a dime," but U.S. intelligence found no "readily observable" indication of an imminent long-range missile launch, the official told CNN.

The planned missile launch is the latest in a series of provocations from North Korea, beginning with an underground nuclear test and another missile test-firing -- actions that have been condemned by the international community and which prompted a new round of U.N. sanctions.

Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said the United States has not decided yet to seek permission to board and inspect a North Korean vessel suspected of carrying illicit weapons or technology in violation of U.N. sanctions.

Morrell told reporters Wednesday while the United States is "interested" in the North Korean-flagged Kang Nam, no decision has been made to stop and search the ship.