Secretary of State Antony Blinken asserted that “we continue to believe that diplomacy is the best way to verifiably, effectively and sustainable prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. In parallel, economic pressure and deterrence reinforce our diplomacy. If Iran rejects the path of diplomacy… All options are on the table”. Iran’s diplomatic spokesperson subsequently asserted that “the threat of using force by the U.S. against other states runs counter to the international law… Therefore, the Islamic Republic will not hesitate to strengthen its deterrence capability and protect its rights and security”.