Trump: downing of US jet will not affect talks

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday the downing of a US fighter jet over Iran would not affect ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

The jet was shot down over Iran on Friday, according to US officials and Iranian media reports. In telephone interviews with US media, Trump said the incident was part of a state of war and did not alter US strategic objectives. He declined to comment on details of the search and rescue operation, during which one crew member was reportedly rescued.

The incident was first reported on Friday by Iranian media, which published photographs suggesting the aircraft was an F-15 fighter jet. Just days earlier, Trump had threatened strikes on Iranian infrastructure.

At the same time, diplomatic efforts are under way towards a possible ceasefire in exchange for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Washington is prepared to negotiate if Tehran meets its conditions.

(pir)