US President Donald Trump has sacked Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, replacing him with the director of the CIA, Mike Pompeo.

Under the scenario, Sen. Tom Cotton would become the new CIA leader.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Sunday that diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the North Korean crisis "will continue until the first bomb drops." His remarks come in spite of Trump's tweets stating the Secretary of State was "wasting his time"

President Donald Trump's comments threatening North Korea "with fire and fury" are sparking fears that a conflict with the U.S. could be escalating. (Aug. 9) AP

The US has said its policy of "strategic patience" with North Korea is over and suggested it might decide to take pre-emptive military action.