Obama, Japan PM Abe discuss North Korea nuclear test

{mosads}Obama’s call follows North Korea’s third nuclear test, which was conducted Tuesday. The president was quick to slam the action, calling it a “highly provocative act.”

Obama said North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile program was “a threat to U.S. national security and to international peace and security,” and called for tougher sanctions against Pyongyang.

The test brought Obama criticism from GOP lawmakers who accused him of failing to take a hard line against North Korea.

The White House has said it will work in concert with the U.N. and allies to pass meaningful sanctions, but Republicans have questioned the ability of those efforts to constrain North Korea.