North Korea has reportedly notified its missions in foreign countries that Kim Jong-un, the third son of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, has been picked as Kim’s successor.

Quoting a senior U.S. intelligence official, U.S. broadcaster Fox News reported Tuesday that Pyongyang sent “guidance” to its missions in foreign countries to pledge their allegiance to Kim’s third son as the next leader of North Korea.

The U.S. official reportedly said that the guidance was not a suggestion but an order.

The official described the directive as a "milestone" in the history of North Korea. The official, however, contradicted a Reuters’ report that suggested Pyongyang would likely come back to the negotiating table now that the successor has been chosen.

Meanwhile, U.S. State Department spokesman Robert Wood said on Wednesday that Washington cannot confirm KBS reports that North Korea has picked Jong-un as the next leader of the communist state.