U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said Thursday that "we're not going to run scared" if faced with a North Korean military strike on the U.S.

Haley's comments were prompted by a reporter's question as to what circumstances would lead to military action against North Korea.

"When the president had spoken in his speech about totally destroying North Korea if forced to defend ourselves or allies, what exactly did he mean? Under what circumstances would he consider totally destroying North Korea?" the reporter asked.

"Well, I think that's just common sense," Haley said.

She explained that war was undesirable, a point the administration has made repeatedly.

"I mean, if you look at it, we have said multiple times— the president said it, members of his team have said it, we don't want war. That's the last thing anyone wants. We don't want loss of life. That's the last thing anyone wants," she said.

However, Haley made clear, this doesn't mean the administration is taking a hands-off approach to North Korea.

"But at the same time, we're not going to run scared. If for any reason North Korea attacks the United States or our allies, the U.S. will respond. Period. That's what's going to happen," Haley said.

She explained that the U.S. will continue to use diplomatic measures to crack down on North Korea "until we can get them to come to the negotiating table."