The United States is making various efforts to communicate with Iranian officials

Speaking at a press conference on the US attack on Iran, US Secretary of Defense Hegseth said the US was making various efforts to communicate with Iranian officials in the wake of the US attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, calling on Iran to negotiate through diplomatic channels. Hegseth said he could only confirm that the US has sent public and private messages directly to Iran through multiple channels, giving them ample opportunity to negotiate. Hegseth pointed out that Iran clearly understands the US position and what steps they can take to achieve peace, and the US wants Iran to do so. Hegseth said the operation was not aimed at the Iranian military or the Iranian people, and that the attack had nothing to do with regime change. In response to a question about the possibility that an attack on Iran could lead to a long-term conflict, he said it was certainly not indefinite. Mr. Hegseth said the Trump administration complied with the notification requirements of the War Powers Act and briefed members of Congress about the attack immediately after the aircraft was safely evacuated. Mr. Hegseth said the attack took months of planning and preparation to ensure it could be carried out after Mr. Trump's decision.