Washington's spy chief says recent clashes related to North Korea's sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan in late March are unlikely to fuel a military conflict on the Korean Peninsula.

On ABC's "This Week," CIA Director Leon Panetta speculated North Korea's recent torpedo attack may be part of its leader Kim Jong-il's efforts to "establish credibility" for his youngest son and likely successor Jong-un.

Panetta then said while there have been a series of provocations and skirmishes involving the North over the years the "rogue regime" has a tendency to back away from the brink in the end.

He added, however, that ongoing preparations for the power transfer make the present time a "dangerous period."