Donald Trump: "he prefers a diplomatic solution, but he continues to retain all options if Iran…"

After a 13-day bombing campaign against Iran, the United States unexpectedly halted airstrikes late last week, and Iran similarly paused its retaliatory actions, with both sides appearing to de-escalate. Meanwhile, Iranian and Omani officials held talks over restoring navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway whose near-total shutdown has driven oil prices sharply higher. Yemen’s Houthi militants, backed by Iran, also intensified attacks on Saudi Red Sea ports, further threatening energy flows. Against this backdrop, White House spokesman Steven Cheung conveyed President Donald Trump’s position: while Trump favors a negotiated resolution, he is keeping all military responses available if Iran persists in what he calls terrorist activities in the Strait or against US allies. The remark underscores the administration’s calibrated approach amid growing economic and political pressures.