North Korea and the U.S. appear no closer to re-engaging in dialogue as the two countries trade accusations after a new round of missile tests and sanctions this week.

According to a statement from the DPRK foreign ministry on Friday, the U.S. is “intentionally escalating” tensions on the Korean Peninsula with new sanctions targeting North Korea’s weapons program.

The brief statement defended North Korea’s missile tests this month, and repeated a common line that Pyongyang is not currently interested in Washington’s calls for dialogue.

“The U.S. is coming out provocative again, finding fault with the DPRK’s exercise of its right