The White House stated that the presence of ground troops in the Middle East is to create “maximum optionality” for President Donald Trump should diplomatic efforts fail, stressing that if Iran does not make a deal, the country will face the consequences.

Briefing the press on Monday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Operation Epic Fury against Iran is “moving ahead successfully and according to plan.”

Leavitt noted that the Iranian navy has no ability to "project naval power" and has been assessed as “combat ineffective.”

She emphasized that Iran should "permanently abandon their nuclear ambitions and stop acting as the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism."

U.S. Ready to Use All Options if Iran Rejects Deal

Leavitt said that if Iran rejects a deal, the U.S. military provides President Trump "every option available to ensure this regime continues to pay a grave price.”

Trump stated that in recent days, Washington has been engaging in talks with Tehran, as a 15-point plan is being delivered through Pakistan in an effort to de-escalate tensions and halt the conflict in the region.

“Anything they say to us privately will be tested, and we will ensure that they are being held accountable to their words,” the press secretary remarked, highlighting that “some of the previous leaders are no longer on planet Earth because they lied to the United States."

Leavitt: No New Decisions Made by President

Regarding troop deployments in the Middle East, Leavitt stated that “it is the job of the Pentagon to create maximum optionality for the Commander-in-Chief. This does not mean that the president has made any additional decisions."