The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Reuters has reported that the White House says Iran remains in contact with the United States and has expressed interest in reaching an agreement with Washington, even as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate over military strikes and maritime security in the Gulf.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Iran has been under increasing pressure following what she described as "devastating blows" delivered by the U.S. military.
According to Reuters, Leavitt said the latest U.S. military strikes were launched after Iran allegedly violated an agreement under which Tehran had committed not to target commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
She said President Donald Trump would not allow attacks on commercial shipping in the strategic waterway to go unanswered and warned that Iran would face consequences for any further attacks.
Leavitt added that although diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran continue, the United States would not permit Iran to attack commercial vessels in the region without facing repercussions.
The developments come as heightened tensions between the United States and Iran continue to raise concerns over regional stability and the security of maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies.
For Afghanistan, any prolonged instability in the Gulf could have wider economic consequences, as disruptions to shipping and higher global oil prices may increase fuel and transportation costs, affecting the prices of imported goods and placing additional pressure on the country's fragile economy.
