U.S. National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice says Washington will consider using a wide range of means to try to disrupt North Korea's nuclear programs, including possible covert action.

Rice made the comments on Sunday when she appeared on NBC's "Meet the Press." Asked if such means included "covert action," Rice said President George W. Bush would look at all the tools available to him.

Rice added that the United States has been actively and aggressively involved in a diplomatic strategy to deal with the threats of nuclear weapons development in North Korea and Iran.

Rice also defended the efficacy of the six-way nuclear talks, asserting that the dialogue had clearly articulated to Pyongyang the need to renounce its nuclear ambitions if the North is to join the international community.

Rice's comments come after a New York Times report claiming the Bush administration's diplomatic efforts are failing to dissuade Tehran and Pyongyang from pursuing nuclear arms.