White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt stated on the 16th (local time) that Iran continues dialogue with the United States and has expressed willingness to reach an agreement. Leavitt made these remarks during a press briefing when asked whether US-Iran negotiations were at a standstill, noting she had discussed the matter with President Donald Trump just one hour prior. The statement comes amid escalating tensions following Iranian violations of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed with the US, specifically Iran's attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which triggered recent US military strikes against Iranian targets.
White House Confirms Ongoing US-Iran Dialogue
Leavitt told reporters that "Iran is still talking to the United States and has indicated it wants to reach an agreement with the US." She emphasized that President Trump "is always open to diplomacy and willing to pursue it," adding that "Iran has still indicated to the President that it wants a deal. We are talking to Iran."
The press secretary stated that "what the American people need to understand is that the reason attacks have occurred in recent days is because Iran violated the memorandum of understanding (MOU) it signed with the United States." She clarified that "specifically, if you look at the MOU Iran signed, Iran was not supposed to fire on merchant ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz."
Iran Violated MOU by Attacking Merchant Ships in Strait of Hormuz
Leavitt explained that "President Trump will not stand by and watch these clear acts of terrorism occur in the Strait of Hormuz while allowing Iran to pay no price." She stated, "What we are seeing right now is exactly that."
The press secretary emphasized that "throughout this entire process, the President has demonstrated to Iran and the entire world that we can strike Iran anytime, anywhere, in any place." She reiterated that "the President will not allow Iran to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz without paying a price."
US Inflation Fell 0.4% Last Month, Largest Drop in Six Years
Leavitt assessed that US inflation is stabilizing. She reported that "inflation last month fell 0.4% (from the previous month), showing better results than market expectations and recording the largest monthly decline in over six years."
She explained that "prices fell for gasoline, electricity rates, over-the-counter drugs, auto insurance, medical services, and hotel rates, easing the burden on America's working families." Leavitt acknowledged that "of course, there is still much more work to be done. That's why President Trump continues to maintain strong focus on lowering the cost of living and raising wages for working families across the country."
The press secretary highlighted that "just last week, Walmart and Sam's Club announced they would lower prices on thousands of items in stores nationwide." She stated that "consumers can expect meaningful cost savings on groceries, household essentials, outdoor products, toys, clothing, and other everyday necessities."
FAQ
What did Caroline Leavitt say about US-Iran negotiations on the 16th?
Caroline Leavitt stated on the 16th (local time) that Iran continues dialogue with the United States and has expressed willingness to reach an agreement. She confirmed that President Trump discussed the matter with her just one hour before the press briefing and emphasized that the US remains open to diplomacy.
Why did the US conduct recent attacks against Iran?
According to Leavitt, the attacks occurred because Iran violated the memorandum of understanding (MOU) it signed with the United States. Specifically, Iran fired on merchant ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which the MOU prohibited. President Trump responded with military strikes to ensure Iran pays a price for these violations.
How much did US inflation fall last month?
US inflation fell 0.4% last month compared to the previous month, which Leavitt described as the largest monthly decline in over six years. Prices decreased for gasoline, electricity, over-the-counter drugs, auto insurance, medical services, and hotel rates.
