WASHINGTON — The Biden administration confirmed Thursday that North Korea recently conducted two tests of a relatively new intercontinental ballistic missile system, ratcheting up tensions between leader Kim Jong Un and the U.S. at a precarious time in world politics.

Senior administration officials spoke under anonymity to discuss details about the threat assessment of the government. They said that the tests were conducted in February and March. Kim’s long-range missiles are being tested for nuclear weapons, this is their first test in over four years.

This particular ICBM system was first discovered by world leaders during the Workers’ Party Parade in North Korea, which is largely viewed primarily as a military event, October 2020.

On a conference call with reporters, the top administration official stated that “This is an important escalation of the DPRK.” He was referring to Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

According to the source, “These launches violate multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions,” and they vehemently increase tensions. This could lead to instability in the security environment.”

Official said that the Biden Administration decided to make this information available to allies in an effort to mobilize partners and friends to “speak in one voice against further DPRK development of these weapons.”

Last March, Pyongyang conducted its first missile testDuring President Joe Biden’s presidency.

Senior administration officials spoke under oath and declined to reveal the type of weapon launched or the exact location. They also refused to discuss the success rate of the test. John Kirby, Pentagon Press Secretary declined comment to the story about the missile launch.

Biden was president when nine North Korean ballistic missile testing were carried out. CNBC asked him to estimate Pyongyang’s possible arsenal, but he declined to answer.

Senior Biden administration officials added, “The door is still open to diplomacy”.

Although the Trump administration did make some progress in negotiations with North Korea initially, the talks fell apart more than one year ago when the U.S. refused sanctions relief in return for Pyongyang dismantling its long-range missiles and nuclear weapons.

Kim, third-generation leader of North Korea, conducted the most powerful nuclear tests, launched its first intercontinental ballistic rocket, and threatened missile attacks into waters close to Guam.

Seit 2011 Kim has launched more than 100 missiles, which is more than his father, Kim Jong Il, and grandfather, Kim Il Sung, launched over a period of 27 years.

North Korea has been the sole nation to test nuclear weapons in this century.