Washington DC, June 3: United States secretary of state Mike Pompeo has on Sunday said the administration was keen to hold ‘unconditional’ discussions with Iran in efforts to deescalate tensions between two arch-rivalries that has heightened during recent times, and have sparked fears of attacks.
According to Dawn news reports, Washington, however, will not relent trying to pressure Tehran to shift its behaviour in the Middle East region, US’ top diplomat said.
Pompeo reiterated long-standing Washington’s accusations over Iran that it bents on destabilizing the region, but however, also marked out the potential dialogues as US President Donald Trump has suggested.
At a media conference, Pompeo told reporters, “We’re prepared to engage in a conversation with no preconditions,” adding, “We’re ready to sit down with them, but the American effort to fundamentally reverse the malign activity of this Islamic Republic, this revolutionary force, is going to continue.”
Pompeo made these comments during his official visit to Switzerland, during a media conference with Switzerland’s counterpart. Pompeo’s meeting with Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis came amidst concerns over the possible miscalculation and escalation with Iran.
Cassis has said, “The situation is very tense. We are fully aware, both parties are fully aware, of this tension. Switzerland, of course, wishes there is no escalation, no escalation to violence.”
He added, “Both parties are now increasing the pressure, and for the rest, this is a matter of worry, but we cannot do anything unless we get a mandate from both parties.”
He continued adding Switzerland is willing to serve as an intermediary between Tehran and Washington, but not as a “mediator”, but to do so first, it requires requests from both sides.
Saudi Arabian King Salman has said on Friday decisive move was required to put an end to Iranian “escalations” following recent attacks on Saudi oil tankers, as the United States officials and deployment of military forces had blocked Iran.
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