In a speech, US National Security Advisor Tom Donilon said North Korea should "change course" to obtain the aid and respect it sought.

BBC: South Korea warns North on armistice threat

The US Deputy National Security Advisor for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, John Brennan, did not name Mr Asiri but confirmed that the same person was believed to have made the underpants bomb.

BBC: Profile: Al-Qaeda 'bomb maker' Ibrahim al-Asiri

With us today, we have National Security Advisor to the Vice President Tony Blinken, Senior Director for Asian Affairs on the national security staff Danny Russel, and Undersecretary for International Affairs at the Department of Treasury Lael Brainard.

WHITEHOUSE: Via Telephone