A delegation of North Korean officials attending the Olympics reportedly told South Korean officials Feb. 25 that the regime is willing to talk to the U.S., The Wall Street Journal reported.

In response, the White House said Feb. 25 that any talks with North Korea must lead to the end of that country's nuclear program, according to the report.

The comments came two days after the U.S. said Feb. 23 that it was imposing new sanctions on North Korean shipping and trade companies, as well as one individual, in an effort to isolate the North Korean government and force it to end its nuclear and missile programs.