Led the door open for military action. there will be consequences to action. wow don t take options off the table for how we operate with iran. but you can expect us to continue to apply the pressure that will have a direct impact on the iranian government. reporter: at a joint news conference with south korean president lee, mr. obama compared iran to north carolina as international outlaw north korea as international outlaw in wake of trying to kill the saudi ambassador to the u.s. while iranian government denied any role, the president flatly charged through the qods forces it was in cahoots with iranian suspect. we know had direct links, with us paid by, directed by individuals in the iranian government. the facts are there for all to see. reporter: he promised sanctions, retired general jack keen said policy of isolation failed.