He told reporters at the White House on Tuesday that the United States was now only taking defensive action in enforcing its blockade of Iranian ports, while leaving open the possibility of military response if necessary.
Regarding the nuclear issue, the US maintains that Iran does not need to enrich uranium for civilian purposes and has called for resolving outstanding issues through negotiations, including control of Iran’s existing nuclear materials.
Also on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran is focusing efforts to end the conflict, and it holds no hostility toward neighboring countries, particularly those in the Gulf region.
Iran said that its relations with regional countries are based on mutual respect and shared interests, while warning that tensions since late February have affected stability and key trade routes.
