The US is making multiple efforts to communicate with Iranian officials

According to a report by Jinse Finance, U.S. Secretary of Defense Hegseth stated at a press conference regarding the U.S. strike on Iran that, following the U.S. attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, the United States is making extensive efforts to communicate with Iranian officials, urging Iran to engage in negotiations through diplomatic channels. Hegseth said he could only confirm that the U.S. has conveyed both public and private messages directly to Iran through various channels, providing them with ample opportunities to negotiate. Hegseth pointed out that Iran is fully aware of the U.S. position and clearly understands what steps they can take to achieve peace, and the U.S. hopes Iran will do so. Hegseth emphasized that this operation was not directed at the Iranian military or the Iranian people, and the strike was unrelated to regime change. In response to questions about whether the strike on Iran could lead to a prolonged conflict, he stated that this is certainly not indefinite. Hegseth said the Trump administration complied with the notification requirements of the War Powers Act and informed members of Congress of the strike immediately after the safe evacuation of aircraft. Hegseth added that the strike operation took months of planning and preparation to ensure it could be carried out once President Trump made the decision.