"The United States continues to seek a diplomatic solution that addresses the Iranian regime’s destructive behavior", Pompeo said on Wednesday. "The only path forward is a comprehensive deal that addresses the full range of its threats".
Pompeo said that until such outcome materializes, the United States will continue its maximum pressure campaign against Iran.
Earlier on Wednesday, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions against Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Zarif.
US-Iran relations have deteriorated since President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran last spring.
The United States proclaimed it intends to bring down Iran’s sale of oil to zero and re-introduced sanctions on almost all major sectors of the Iranian economy.
In May, Iran announced its decision to partially suspend obligations under the nuclear agreement and gave the other signatories 60 days to save the accord by facilitating oil exports and trade with Tehran.
Since 5 May, the United States has been building up its military presence in the Persian Gulf. Washington has deployed an aircraft carrier strike group, Patriot missiles, B-52 bombers, F-15 fighters and a destroyer, according to the Defence Department.
