A retired U.S. Navy admiral tells Voice of America News the U.S. has three military options short of a preventive strike if diplomacy fails to resolve the issue of North Korea's nuclear weapons and missiles.

Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) James Stavridis says those options are maritime blockade, a cyber offensive and improved missile defense.

While all three are "very much possible,"  Stavridis says they will require UN Security Council resolution and at least China's tacit approval.

A maritime blockade could restrict North Korean exports and block technological weapons support going in to North Korea, while a cyber attack might be able to impede progress in North's nuclear and missile programs.

Stavridis did emphasize that diplomacy remains crucial at this time.

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