Bolton also stated that Pyongyang needs to take the promised steps on denuclearization.
"What we really need is not more rhetoric," Bolton said. "What we need is performance from North Korea on denuclearization," he said.
Reuters previously cited a UN report claiming that Pyongyang had not stopped its nuclear and missile programs, in violation of UN sanctions.
Earlier this month, North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho berated the US for keeping sanctions on North Korea and urging other states to put pressure on Pyongyang untill complete denuclearization is achieved.
READ MORE: N Korean FM Slams US' Stance on Pyongyang's Denuclearization Drive
In July, President Donald Trump announced that North Korea had not carried out nuclear any tests for eight months, adding that he was getting along "very well" with Kim Jong-un. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo echoed his words, also noting that Pyongyang was committed to complete denuclearization.