White House: Our latest strikes on Iran in response to its violation of the memorandum of understanding

The White House said on Thursday that Iran continues talks with the United States and wants to reach an agreement, noting that the recent strikes on Iran were in response to Tehran's violation of the memorandum of understanding and committing terrorist acts in the Strait of Hormuz.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters, 'The reason for the recent attacks over the past few days is Iran's violation of the memorandum of understanding we signed with it... The memorandum of understanding signed by Iran clearly stipulated not to fire on commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, but unfortunately, it made a tragic decision to do so.'

She added, 'President Trump will not stand idly by and allow Iranian terrorist acts in the Strait of Hormuz.'

Leavitt clarified that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to ships not heading to or from Iranian ports, noting that the US Navy is still there to ensure that continues.

She continued, 'Iran is no longer able to deter our strikes to a large extent because of President Trump.'

She went on, 'Iran's leaders are divided, and the United States is capable of striking Iran anytime and anywhere, and Tehran continues talks with us and still wants to make a deal.'

She added, 'President Trump is open to a diplomatic solution but will not allow Iran to fire on ships in the Strait of Hormuz without facing consequences, and Iran cannot be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon... That is why President Trump launched the operation in the first place, and the Strait of Hormuz is open to ships not heading to or from Iran, and we reinstated the blockade due to Iran's failure to meet its obligations under the agreement with the United States, and Iran has suffered devastating economic damage as a result of our military operation and our economic blockade, and Trump and Vance are in full agreement on the current status of this conflict with Iran.'

She continued, 'President Trump will deliver an important address to the nation regarding protecting the integrity of our elections, and we urge every American to watch it.'