US Reiterates Openness to Diplomacy with Iran Amid Ongoing Conflict

US State Department Accuses Iran of Targeting Civilian Sites

The US State Department has reiterated that Washington remains open to diplomacy with Tehran, amid ongoing tensions between the two countries. In a TV interview on Thursday, Tommy Pigott, a spokesperson for the department, stated that President Donald Trump pursued talks with Iran before the current conflict began. However, Pigott also emphasized that the president’s objectives will be fulfilled.

Trump addressed the nation on Wednesday, sharing footage of a US attack targeting a major civilian bridge in Iran. The president has repeatedly stated that the US is winning the war against Iran and has threatened to destroy the country’s civilian infrastructure. Trump did not provide details on how the conflict would end or present plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed by Tehran.

The US and Israel launched their military operation against Iran on February 28, following a round of negotiations in Geneva that were described as positive by Omani mediators and Iranian officials. Last year, Israel also attacked Iran amid ongoing nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran.

Pigott stated that the president prefers diplomacy but acknowledged that the current situation has led to the pursuit of military objectives. The US is involved in diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, with the goal of destroying Iran’s military capabilities. Pigott emphasized that the US sees diplomatic engagement at the highest levels, working with partners and parties involved to pursue their interests.

Iran denies seeking a nuclear weapon, while Israel is believed to possess an undeclared nuclear arsenal. The US has accused Iran of targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure across the region, which it says underscores the “intolerable threat” posed by the Iranian regime having a nuclear weapon.

Source: Al Jazeera