U.S. Says Major Differences Remain in Iran Nuclear Talks

On the 18th (local time), the White House said to Iran that "it would be very wise to make an agreement with President Donald Trump and this administration."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a briefing that day, "President Trump has made it clear that he has always made diplomatic resolution his top option with respect to any country in the world, including Iran," explaining the remark.

However, she added, "There are many reasons and arguments for carrying out an attack on Iran," stressing, "He is always considering what is in the best interest of the United States, the U.S. military, and the American people, and that is how he makes decisions about all types of military action."

Leavitt also commented on the outcome of the second round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks held the previous day in Geneva, Switzerland, saying, "Some progress has been made, but there are still major differences on several issues."

She continued, "We expect the Iranian side to return (to the negotiating table) within the next few weeks with more specific matters," adding, "The President will continue to watch closely how this unfolds."

In response to a question on whether President Trump had given Iran a deadline for pursuing negotiations instead of military action, she said, "I will not set a deadline on behalf of the President."