(Reuters) - In North Korea’s effort to become a nuclear power capable of striking the United States, leader Kim Jong Un has telegraphed what his scientists and weapons experts are achieving. Over the past two years, the country has moved from a fledgling nuclear program to possessing the technology to at least strike the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam.

Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-14 is pictured during its second test-fire in this undated picture provided by KCNA in Pyongyang on July 29, 2017. KCNA via Reuters

Most Western experts accept that North Korea is close to putting a nuclear warhead on an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that can reach the continental United States, but this has not been independently verified.

Here are 10 of the important steps highlighted by North Korea’s state-owned media.

REUTERS/Yonhap

Jan. 6, 2016 - After four years in power, Kim Jong Un says his country can produce a hydrogen bomb, the first step toward a nuclear weapon that could target the United States. The nation tests a device, but Western experts are not convinced it is a genuine hydrogen bomb.

REUTERS/Kyodo

Feb. 7, 2016 - North Korea sends up a satellite. The United States calls this a disguised test of an engine powerful enough to launch an ICBM.

REUTERS/KCNA

March 9, 2016 - North Korea claims it can miniaturize a nuclear device to fit onto a missile.

REUTERS/KCNA

March 15, 2016 - North Korea says it successfully tested the nose cone of a missile that re-entered the earth’s atmosphere after a long flight.

REUTERS/KCNA

June 23, 2016 - North Korea says it has successfully tested an intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM), with a range of 2,000 to 3,400 miles. Kim Jong Un claims the country can now attack “Americans in the Pacific operation theater,” including the territory of Guam.

REUTERS/KRT

Sept. 9, 2016 - North Korea conducts its fifth and largest nuclear test on the anniversary of the country’s founding. It says it has mastered the ability to mount a warhead on a ballistic missile.

REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

April 15, 2017 - North Korea reveals a new ICBM design, displaying the missiles at a military parade to mark the birthday of founding leader Kim Il Sung. Within three months, the missiles are tested.

July 4, 2017 - North Korea tests an ICBM for the first time, saying it can launch a missile that can reach the continental United States. The missile, Hwasong-14, is tested again three weeks later, this time in a night launch.

REUTERS/KRT

Aug. 8 2017 - North Korea’s army threatens to fire missiles toward Guam in an “enveloping fire.” The message comes hours after President Donald Trump warns Pyongyang that it will be “met with fire and fury” if North Korea does not stop threatening the United States.

REUTERS/KCNA

Aug. 23 2017 - North Korea publishes photographs of Kim beside a diagram of what appears to be a new ICBM. Weapons experts say it will be more powerful than the missiles tested by Pyongyang in July, and could have Washington and New York within range.

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