The U.S. intelligence chief says that North Korea is unlikely to dismantle its nuclear weapons program in a year, although it is "technically" possible to achieve the goal in the timeframe.  

U.S. Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats made the remarks on Thursday at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado, asked about U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton's recent suggestion that the North could potentially dismantle the "overwhelming bulk" of its nuclear weapons programs within a year. 

Coats said that U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has clearly stated the North's denuclearization is going to take some time, adding it is a much more complicated process than most people think. 
   
[Sound bite: US Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats]
"He [Pompeo] has projected a longer timeframe, but then it depends on what steps they take within that one period of time that can give us some hope and courage and encouragement that we're on the right track."  

His remarks echoed President Donald Trump's recent comments that there is no time limit for the North's denuclearization, and Pompeo's claim that the process may take some time.