The United States has expressed concern that North Korea may conduct a nuclear test soon. The State Department says if that happens, it will work out a response with its allies, including Japan and South Korea.

State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters on Monday that North Korea "could seek a seventh nuclear test in the coming days."

Price said the US has "close allies in the form of Japan" and South Korea. He added, "There are a number of allies and partners of ours, not only in the Indo-Pacific but around the world."

Price said these allies understand and appreciate the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear weapon and ballistic missile programs.

Last month, the UN Security Council rejected a sanctions resolution on North Korea over the country's repeated firing of ballistic missiles. The resolution was submitted by the United States but vetoed by China and Russia.

US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield has indicated that if North Korea conducts another nuclear test, the US will try again to have the security council adopt a resolution.