The New York Times says North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-il is very ill and most likely suffered a stroke a few weeks ago, but U.S. intelligence authorities do not think his death is imminent.

The U.S. daily quoted American intelligence officials saying they believe the North Korean leader is currently under the care of doctors in Pyongyang, the North's capital.

The paper also said there are no signs of the communist state speeding up preparations to transfer authority.

Other U.S. media, including CNN, are reporting the situation as one of their top stories.