Secretive state North Korea has sent nuclear watchdog the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) an invitation to inspect the country’s nuclear facilities. However the deal is dependent on whether the North goes ahead with the launch of a trial rocket next month, an act the US say could derail negotiations.

The USA has prepared a food aid package in return for co-operation from the historically guarded nation. In the past North Korea has limited access to its key sites. The last time inspectors were in North Korea was 2008, when they were controversially kicked out.

Back in 2009 Pyongyang conducted a nuclear test and launched a long-range rocket.

The invite comes three months after the inauguration of Kim Jong-un following the death of his father Kim Jong-il.