US military leaders and diplomats have been fanning out to reassure allies that they are committed to finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis in North Korea, after Donald Trump's war-hawk address before the United Nations General Assembly.

"The United States has great strength and patience, but if it is forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea," Trump said before the gathered world leaders, most of whom were appalled at his undiplomatic and immature braggadocio.  Many of Trump's own advisors appeared to have been taken by surprise, as evidenced by the epic, international face-palm by Chief of Staff John Kelly.

John Kelly (left) has a headache
John Kelly (left) hates his job

After gulping a lot of aspirin, Trump's top advisors, military leaders, and the US Diplomatic corps began working to soothe allies' worries that the orange clown will do something hasty, stupid, and destructive before exhausting all other avenues to deal with North Korea's aggression.

"We continue to press on the diplomatic level and that includes economic sanctions," said Secretary of Defense James Mattis.  "At this time, we must also recognize the somber reality that military options must be available in order to protect our allies and ourselves."

North Korea might have been aware of this desperate damage-control effort - or maybe it was just more of Pyongyang's expert trolling of someone so easily triggered - when it responded.

"There is a saying that goes: 'Even when dogs bark, the parade goes on'," said North Korean Foreign Minister Minister Ri Yong-ho.  "If (Trump) was thinking about surprising us with dog-barking sounds then he is clearly dreaming."

When reporters asked Mr. Ri about Trump calling North Korean leader Kim Jong-un "Rocket Man", he replied, "I feel sorry for his aides."