Story highlights North Korea launched the longest range intercontinental ballistic missile it has ever tested

Trump told reporters on Monday, "We will handle North Korea"

Washington (CNN) When asked about the US government's strategy on handling North Korea, GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham suggested Tuesday military options could be used to halt threats from the country.

"There is a military option to destroy North Korea's (missile) program and North Korea itself," Graham said on NBC's "Today" show. "If there's going to be a war to stop them, it will be over there. If thousands die, they're going to die over there, they're not going to die here and (President Donald Trump) told me that to my face."

He continued: "I'm saying (military options are) inevitable if North Korea continues."

But, he added, "You can stop North Korea militarily or diplomatically. I prefer the diplomatic approach."

On Friday, North Korea launched the longest range intercontinental ballistic missile it has ever tested -- and the second ICBM this month.

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