The U.S. says it will reach a decision on how to respond to the sinking of the South Korean “Cheonan” warship following the investigation into the incident.

The comments made by State Department spokesman Philip Crowley follow South Korean Defense Minister Kim Tae-young’s statement that explosive residue and pieces found in the wreckage suggest a torpedo may have been responsible for the sinking of the vessel.

Crowley said the U.S. continues to support South Korea in its investigation and will prepare measures according to the outcome.

Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg told a forum at the Brookings Institution that the U.S. is determined to pursue the issue thoroughly and follow the facts. He said "this will, in turn, have an impact on how the U.S. deals with the challenge of North Korea and its actions not only on the nuclear front but in other provocative measures that it takes."

He urged North Korea to follow international obligations on denuclearization and U.N. sanctions and also to stop hostile, threatening acts on neighboring countries.