A U.S. intelligence official has denied rumors of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il’s death.

Radio Free Asia cited Joseph DeTrani, the U.S. national intelligence director's mission manager for North Korea, as saying they were only rumors.

He went on to say that nothing indicates Kim will step down any time soon. On who would succeed Kim, DeTrani said the North Korean leader is likely to closely watch developments in his country's military and ruling party.

DeTrani added that he believed succession was only possible with backing of the powerful military and ruling party support.