US Officials Say Diplomacy Still Underway to Ease US-Iran Tensions

A US official said diplomatic efforts are still ongoing to ease tensions behind the US-Iran conflict, while the US has deliberately paused after strikes to avoid escalation and leave room for talks, according to Jiemian News. Multiple officials said the US was prepared to launch strikes on Iran later that night if necessary, but was still letting diplomacy lead. On the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier deployed in the Arabian Sea, crew members loaded weapons onto fighter jets and pilots conducted drills in preparation for potential strikes, the report said. The carrier’s captain told thousands of personnel on board that tensions were rising and they should remain on alert. US officials also said Iran’s claim that the US military had carried out additional strikes that night was inaccurate.