U.S. imposes sanctions on N. Korean missile makers

In line with its aggressive stance against North Korea’s weapons programs, the U.S. on Tuesday slapped new sanctions on two of the Asian state’s missile experts, a move that comes on the heels of United Nations’ fresh restrictions on Pyongyang last week.

Targeted officials, Kim Jong Sik and Ri Pyong Chol, will have their properties and other interests in the U.S. blocked, writes Reuters.

Meanwhile, Russia offered to mediate between the U.S. and N. Korea if the two sides are willing to open talks for de-escalation of a deepening crisis that could bloat into a serious conflict on the Korean peninsula, notes The Guardian.