Washington: US President Donald Trump says he hopes the United States is not heading to war with Iran as he met with Switzerland’s President Ueli Maurer, whose nation has served as a diplomatic conduit between the two countries.
Asked by reporters if Washington was going to war with Tehran, Trump responded, “Hope not” as he greeted Maurer at the White House on Thursday.
Tensions have escalated in recent days with increasing concerns about a potential US-Iran conflict.
Earlier this week the US pulled some diplomatic staff from its embassy in Baghdad following weekend attacks on four oil tankers in the Gulf.
Switzerland has historically been a liaison between the US and Iran, which have no diplomatic relations.
A White House statement said the two leaders discussed “a range of international issues, including the crises in the Middle East and in Venezuela”.
“President Trump expressed his gratitude for Switzerland’s role in facilitating international mediation and diplomatic relations on behalf of the United States,” the statement said.
The Washington Post, citing unnamed US officials, reported late on Wednesday that Trump preferred a diplomatic route with Iran and direct talks with its leaders but worried that some of his advisers were pushing war.
Read the article by Steve Holland in The Sydney Morning Herald.