US President Donald Trump remains open to diplomacy with Iran, the White House said Thursday, adding that Washington is still talking to Tehran despite the renewal of hostilities.
The comments come a day after Trump thanked Iran for freeing a US citizen detained since December 2024, in a move seen as a possible diplomatic opening.
"The president will hold them accountable when they turn their back on the words that they state to the United States. But he is always open to diplomacy at the very same time," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.
"They have expressed they still want to make a deal to the president. We're talking to them, but again, the president is not going to allow them to fire on ships in the Strait without paying a consequence for that."
A fragile ceasefire agreed in June is on the rocks after the United States launched several rounds of strikes in recent days in a bid to curb Iran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump has also warned he could widen attacks to target power plants and bridges unless the Islamic republic returns to talks.
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