The U.S. has warned North Korea against worsening tensions. The U.S. is monitoring for a possible missile launch by the North, following a recently-declared ban on shipping near its west coast.

Assistant Secretary of State Philip Crowley said the state department would encourage North Korea to avoid further provocative actions that increase tensions in the region and would be a step in the wrong direction. His remarks were in response to a reporter’s question on North Korea declaring a no-sail zone between June 19th and June 27th in waters near the western North Korean port city of Nampo.

Crowley added that given past North Korean behavior, the no-sail zone announcement raises the potential that they might be preparing for a missile launch. He said the U.S. would discourage North Korea from doing so.