Sen. Lindsey Graham said Friday that the U.S. should threaten a "credible military option" against North Korea because he suggested that the United Nations sanctions aren't effectively deterring the regime.

The South Carolina Republican expressed these thoughts in a series of tweets after North Korea launched an intermediate range missile from its capital Pyongyang early Friday over Japan.

Clearly North Korea does not give a damn about UN sanctions or tough talk. — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) September 15, 2017

It is time to more forcefully back up our diplomatic efforts with the threat of a credible military option. — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) September 15, 2017

North Korea believes there is no downside to pushing the envelope regarding their missile and nuclear programs. — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) September 15, 2017

It is up to the Trump Administration and the world to make North Korea believe otherwise. — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) September 15, 2017

There had been talk about possible military options when President Trump last month said that North Korea would be "met with fire and fury" if the regime continued with its provocative actions. He then said that the U.S. military has long been "locked and loaded" when it comes to North Korea.

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The president has also made clear since the campaign, however, that the U.S. won't tip its hand when it comes to revealing military plans and operations.