White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt confirmed that the U.S. continues to maintain dialogue with Iran - even during Operation "With the Strength of a Lion": "I do not follow Mr. Hochstein's travel schedule (the President's envoy to the Middle East), but as for contacts between the United States and the Iranians, I can confirm that they are ongoing. As you know, we have participated in six rounds of negotiations with them, both through indirect and direct channels." Leavitt further clarified: "No one should be surprised by the President's position that Iran simply cannot acquire nuclear weapons."


