WASHINGTON - U.S. President Donald Trump
said on Thursday he hoped the United States was not heading to
war with Iran as he met with Switzerland President Ueli Maurer,
whose nation has served as a diplomatic conduit between the two
countries.
Asked by reporters Washington was going to war with Tehran,
Trump responded, "Hope not" as he greeted Maurer at the White
House.
Tensions have escalated in recent days with increasing
concerns about a potential U.S.-Iran conflict. Earlier this week
the United States pulled some diplomatic staff from its embassy
in Baghdad following weekend attacks on four oil tankers in the
Gulf.
Switzerland, a neutral country, has historically been a
liaison between the United States and Iran, which have no
diplomatic relations.
A White House statement said the two leaders discussed "a
range of international issues, including the crises in the
Middle East and in Venezuela."
"President Trump expressed his gratitude for Switzerland’s
role in facilitating international mediation and diplomatic
relations on behalf of the United States," the statement said.
The Washington Post, citing unnamed U.S. officials, reported
late Wednesday that Trump preferred a diplomatic route with Iran
and direct talks with its leaders but worried that some of his
advisers were pushing war.
White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told Fox News
Channel's "Fox & Friends" that there is no friction between
Trump and his advisers and he welcomes different viewpoints.
"He’s the one the American people elected. He’s going to
take in the information and the guidance from all of his
national security team and he then will make a decision on what
he thinks is the best and safest thing for the American people,"
she said.
U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday welcomed what
she called Trump's lack of "appetite" for military conflict with
Tehran.