(LEAD) Moon says U.S. will not take military option against N. Korea without his consent

(ATTN: UPDATES with additional remarks, more information from 4th para)

SEOUL, Aug. 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Thursday dismissed the possibility of war on the Korean Peninsula, saying the United States has agreed not to take any military action against North Korea without Seoul's consent.

"I say this with confidence that there will be no war on the Korean Peninsula ever again," the president said in a press conference marking his first 100 days in office.

"The United States and President Donald Trump too have agreed to discuss any options it may take with South Korea regardless of what kind of options it takes."

Moon's remarks followed a heated war of words between Washington and Pyongyang.

The communist North had threatened to fire missiles toward the U.S.-controlled island of Guam. Trump said the North will be met by "fire and fury" should it continue to make threats against the United States, later adding his country's military options are now "locked and loaded."

Moon insisted the U.S. leader's remarks had been aimed at increasing pressure on North Korea, instead of signaling an imminent military action against the reclusive state.

"The U.S. sought to put maximum pressure and sanctions through the latest U.N. Security Council resolution," the South Korean leader said. "At the same time, it is seeking unilateral measures, and I believe President Trump sought to pressure North Korea by showing a firm determination. I do not necessarily believe that showed his determination to take military options."

bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)