The United States is not currently negotiating with Iran to end the war and is focusing on applying economic pressure on Tehran. However, all options remain "on the table", White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told Fox News on Thursday.

She identified President Donald Trump's main goal as preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Following Operation Epic Fury, which was aimed at destroying Iran's military capabilities, she said Washington launched Operation Economic Outcast, which aims to damage the country's economy.

"No negotiations are happening right now", Leavitt stated, adding that the situation would continue until Trump was convinced that Tehran was ready for meaningful talks. The naval blockade remains in effect.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called on countries on Monday to sever financial ties with Iran, threatening them with secondary sanctions if they failed to comply. However, the Treasury Department has not yet imposed new sanctions.

The Qatari prime minister visited Tehran on Thursday in an effort to restore diplomatic relations following mutual accusations between the United States and Iran.

(Reuters, bak)