Trump 'does not want war with Iran'

International Desk: US President Donald Trump has said he does not want a war with Iran amid rising tensions between the two countries, according to senior officials.

In a meeting on Wednesday the president told aides he did not want US pressure to turn into a conflict.

The US has deployed warships and planes to the Gulf and withdrawn diplomatic staff from Iraq in recent days.

Officials cited threats from Iran for the moves.

Tehran has allegedly placed missiles on boats in the Persian Gulf, and US investigators reportedly believe the country damaged four tankers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates - claims Iran has denied.

But when asked by reporters on Thursday if the US was going to war with Iran, Mr Trump answered: "I hope not."

risingbd/Dhaka/May 17, 2019/AKA