The U.S. urged North Korea on Thursday to choose between pursuing its nuclear weapons program or facing international sanctions.

In a National Security Strategy report, the first to be released since the launch of his administration, U.S. President Barack Obama said that North Korea and Iran face a clear choice between pursuing nuclear ambitions and ignoring their international obligations.

The report said that if the North and Iran ignore their international obligations, Washington will pursue multiple means to increase their isolation and bring them into compliance with international nonproliferation norms.

However, the report added that if North Korea eliminates its nuclear weapons program, it will be able to proceed on a path to greater political and economic integration with the international community.

The U.S. also vowed to strengthen bilateral cooperation with South Korea, also making clear that Seoul is a key U.S. ally in the Asian region.

The report did not mention the six-way nuclear talks --- a move that apparently demonstrates that Obama is disappointed with Pyongyang for its nuclear ambitions and its involvement in the sinking of the “Cheonan” naval ship.