Washington/New Delhi, Feb 19 (UNI) White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday (India time) reiterated President Donald Trump’s long‑standing stance that “diplomacy is always his first option” when dealing with Iran, urging Tehran to seize the chance to negotiate a new agreement with the administration.
”The president has always been very clear, though, with respect to Iran or any country around the world, diplomacy is always his first option, and Iran would be very wise to make a deal with President Trump and with this administration,” Leavitt said during a press briefing.
The remarks come as indirect US–Iran nuclear talks resumed in Geneva, with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meeting under Omani mediation. While both sides reported “some progress,” officials caution that significant gaps remain, and a parallel US military buildup in the Persian Gulf underscores the high stakes of the negotiations.
Analysts note that Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign, reinstated in early 2025, has left Iran’s economy strained, creating what US officials describe as a “rare opportunity” for a diplomatic breakthrough. Nonetheless, Tehran continues to demand sanctions relief and has warned that any US attack would trigger retaliation against American forces in the region.
Leavitt’s statement aligns with recent comments from US Vice President J D Vance, who told a news channel that the administration “very much likes” a diplomatic resolution but retains the option to act militarily if negotiations fail.
As the diplomatic window remains open, observers are watching whether Iran will accept a deal that could ease sanctions and avert a potential conflict, or whether the escalating military presence will push the two nations toward confrontation.
