intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) – n. a type of missile that can fly form one continent to another

a wild card – n. a person or thing that could affect a situation in a way that cannot be predicted : an unknown or uNPRedictable factor

potential – adj. possible

acute - adj. very serious or dangerous; requiring serious attention or action

sanction – n. an action taken, or an order given to force a country to obey international laws by limiting or stopping trade with that country, by not allowing economic aid for that country, etc. instability – n. the quality or state of being unstable

escalate – v. to become worse or to make (something) worse or more severe