Khaberni - The White House confirmed on Monday that President Donald Trump is keeping the option of launching air strikes on Iran in response to the crackdown faced by anti-government protests, while maintaining an open diplomatic channel with Tehran.
White House spokesperson Carol LeVit said, "President Trump is very adept at keeping all his options on the table. And air strikes would be among the many options available at the table of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces."
LeVit emphasized in her remarks to journalists that "diplomacy is always the first option for the president," adding, "What you hear in public from the Iranian regime radically differs from the messages being received by the administration... and I believe the president is interested in exploring these messages."
Earlier on Monday, Tehran announced it was prepared for both war and negotiation, following Trump's threat of military intervention if protesters were killed.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed the existence of an "open" communication channel with the President’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
On Sunday, Trump confirmed that Washington was considering "some very strong options," adding, "We are going to make a decision" regarding potential military intervention.
He explained that the Iranian leadership had reached out to him seeking "negotiations" following his threat of military action.
He added: "Iranian leaders contacted me yesterday (...) a meeting is being prepared... They want to negotiate" but "we may have to act before a meeting can be held."
