Reopening communications at the top line between the United States and nations such as Russia is essential in solving disagreements, Defense Secretary James N. Mattis told Pentagon reporters today.
“Based on my long-standing stance on protecting America — whether it be from a conventional attack, nuclear attack, cyberattack — I have always been in favor, and in fact, promoted the idea that we talk with one another … even when [the United States and Russia] had nuclear missiles pointed at each other,” the secretary said.
“Even in the worse days of the Cold War, we had heads-of-state discussions and I believe we've been way overdue for that,” he added. “And this isn't about this administration; this goes back years, many years.”
Mattis said such communications might not be easy or short term, “but I find nothing inconsistent in protecting this country by engaging diplomatically,” he said. “I've always said diplomacy leads our foreign policy. This is diplomacy in action.”
The secretary confirmed that he is considering meeting with his Russian counterpart, but added no decision has yet been made.
Mattis also talked about the Iranian government's malign influence in the Middle East, and its threats to close the Strait of Hormuz.
“They've done that in year's past; they saw the…
