Obama focuses on Iran, N.Korea, omits Mideast peace

* Obama cites Iraq progress, 'tough fight' in Afghanistan

* Vows U.S. will keep pressure on Iran, North Korea

* No mention of stalled Middle East peace process

By Andrew Quinn

WASHINGTON, Jan 25 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama played up U.S. progress in both Afghanistan and Iraq on Tuesday, while declaring the United States would stay tough on North Korea and Iran over their nuclear ambitions.

Obama used his annual State of the Nation address to the American people to list foreign policy successes including the "re-set" in relations with Russia, a growing partnership with India and a revitalized effort to control the global spread of nuclear weapons.

But the stalled Middle East peace effort -- which Obama launched in September but quickly foundered on deep Israeli and Palestinian divisions -- got no mention, although White House officials said the omission did not reflect any flagging of U.S. commitment to the peace effort.

Obama said the United States stood with the people of Tunisia, "where the will of the people proved more powerful than the writ of a dictator" as protests this month forced the departure of longtime President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.

But he steered clear of any reference to Egypt, where a day of unprecedented protests against President Hosni Mubarak, a longtime U.S. ally, on Tuesday has raised comparisons with the Tunisian revolt.