The United States said on Tuesday that it takes time to know whether the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) actually tested a nuclear bomb, and said the United States might never get a conclusive answer.

"This may take some time, it's a complex undertaking. There is a remote possibility that we'll never be able to determine fully," White House spokesman Tony Snow said at a briefing.

Nonetheless, "it does not change our view that this is an act of provocation, nor does it change the view, more importantly, of our partners in the neighborhood, who view it much the same way," Snow said.

The DPRK claimed Sunday night that it had successfully conducted its first nuclear test. However, U.S. intelligence officials have voiced doubt over the claimed nuclear test as the seismic readings were shy of a typical nuclear detonation.