Iran ‘very much continues to talk’ to US: White House

Iran continues to communicate with the US and has expressed interest in reaching a nuclear agreement despite recent US military strikes, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday, Anadolu reports.

Asked whether negotiations with Tehran were at a standstill or had effectively ended, Leavitt said President Donald Trump had told her that diplomatic contacts remain active.

“Well, I’ve spoken with the president about this as recently as an hour ago. Iran very much continues to talk to the United States of America and express that they want to make a deal with us because they are suffering devastating blows on behalf of our United States military,” she said.

Leavitt said the reason for the recent US strikes over the last several days is “because Iran violated the memorandum of understanding that we struck with them.”

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Tensions between the US and Iran have recently escalated regarding the Strait of Hormuz, with the two sides exchanging attacks despite a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict and reaching a lasting peace agreement.

The US announced Tuesday that it resumed a naval blockade against vessels transiting to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas.

“There is a blockade of ships, directed by president, for ships entering and departing Iranian ports only,” said Leavitt. “This blockade was reimposed due to Iran’s inability to honor their agreement with the United States.”

*** “The strait (of Hormuz) is open for ships that are not traveling to and from Iranian ports specifically, and the U.S. Navy is there to ensure that can take place.”

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