Washington, July 16 (QNA) - The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it had launched a new wave of strikes against Iran, marking the sixth consecutive night of military operations.

In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said the latest strikes were intended to further degrade Iran's military capabilities.

Meanwhile, the White House said diplomatic channels with Tehran remain. It said President Donald Trump continues to prefer a diplomatic solution while adhering to his peace through strength approach, and emphasized that the door to negotiations remains open.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Iran must face consequences for attacking commercial shipping.

Speaking at a White House press briefing, Leavitt said Iran remains highly interested in continuing talks with the United States and noted that President Trump's team remains in contact with Iranian negotiators despite the escalating tensions in the region.

She added that, after speaking with the president about an hour earlier, she understood that Iran had expressed a desire to reach an agreement with the United States because it was sustaining severe strikes from the US military.

Leavitt said the recent US escalation was prompted by Iran's violation of the memorandum of understanding, which stipulated that commercial vessels transiting the strait should not be targeted.

She also said President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are fully aligned on Iran.

Asked about remarks by Trump and Vance regarding negotiations with Iran, Leavitt said she could confirm that the president and vice president are in complete agreement on the current situation surrounding the conflict.

Earlier, President Trump said Iran was prepared to negotiate a new agreement. He said Iran was unhappy with the US actions and wanted to reach a settlement, adding that it remained to be seen whether such a settlement could ultimately be achieved. (QNA)