Iran continues to communicate with the United States and has expressed interest in reaching a nuclear agreement despite recent US military strikes, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters, Leavitt said President Donald Trump had confirmed that diplomatic contacts with Tehran remain active. She added that Iran continues to seek a deal with Washington despite suffering what she described as significant military setbacks.
According to Leavitt, the recent US strikes followed Iran’s alleged violation of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries. She claimed the agreement prohibited Iran from targeting commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. However, she alleged that Iran breached the deal by attacking commercial shipping, prompting the latest US military action.
White House comments on foreign influence claims
Leavitt also addressed comments made by Vice President JD Vance regarding foreign efforts to influence US policy. She said President Trump agrees that foreign governments often attempt to shape American public opinion.
Vance recently claimed that an Israeli-funded influence campaign sought to undermine negotiations between the United States and Iran. He said some Israeli officials opposed Washington’s efforts to reach an agreement with Tehran, although he added that other Israeli leaders were not involved.
US maintains blockade near Iranian ports
Meanwhile, tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high despite a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding aimed at reducing hostilities and promoting lasting peace.
The United States recently resumed a naval blockade targeting vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports. Leavitt said the blockade applies only to ships linked to Iranian ports and was reinstated because Iran allegedly failed to honour the agreement. She added that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to other commercial vessels under US naval protection.
